These four words carry a powerful truth: without sport, we lose one of the most effective tools for peace. This may sound provocative, but it is meant to spark reflection. In a world where over 460 million children live in conflict-affected areas, we cannot afford to overlook any means of action. While sport alone cannot end wars or resolve deep-seated conflicts, it plays a critical role in preventing violence and fostering reconciliation. And these are key elements to build – and live in – peaceful communities.
Sport is a universal language that transcends borders, politics, and ideologies, uniting people in ways few other activities can. Around the world, sport has bridged divides where politics and diplomacy have struggled. It has brought together nations once at war, healed communities torn by conflict, and given young people an alternative to violence.
In every game, match, or competition, we witness the values that sustain peace—respect, teamwork, fairness, and mutual understanding. Sport teaches us that our differences do not have to divide us; rather, they can enrich our collective strength. Because sport is built around rules that apply equally to everyone. Through the equity of sport, we can prevent violence and conflict in all its forms, including online. When we play together, we break down barriers: ethnic, social or religious. When we compete with integrity, we promote justice and fairness in society.
Yet, in many places, sport is overlooked as tool for education, violence prevention and reconciliation. It may not be a life-saving necessity like food, water, or shelter, but it is a cost-effective tool. It is a universal language that, if used by trained educators with the intention to achieve social objectives, can transmit knowledge and skills that enhance self-confidence, promote mutual understanding, cooperation, and respect.
On this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, we reaffirm with conviction that sport is far more than entertainment or competition—it is a powerful catalyst for peace.
Through the #WhiteCard campaign, we urge decision makers to turn vision into action by making sport for peace a global priority. Investing in sport for development and peace programs is not optional—it is essential to ensuring that future generations grow up with the values and life skills necessary to reject conflict and build resilience in the face of it.
We encourage the international community to join us in this call, and raise a #WhiteCard for the 460 million children whose lives are disrupted by conflict.
Without sport, we risk losing one of our greatest avenues for peace. Together, let’s ensure that sport’s potential isn’t overlooked but fully embraced. Because where there is sport, there is peace.
Joël Bouzou
Peace and Sport President and Founder
