Every year on 21 September, the International Day of Peace serves as a reminder that peace is a collective responsibility. In 2026, the United Nations has chosen the theme ‘Investing in peace: for everyone, everywhere, every day’, highlighting in particular those who contribute, on a daily basis, to building peace within their communities.
For Peace and Sport, this day holds particular significance. Since its creation in 2007, the organisation has been working to promote a culture of peace, using sport as a vehicle for change.
Building a culture of peace
A culture of peace is based on attitudes, behaviours and skills that enable individuals and communities to build peaceful relationships, engage in dialogue and manage their differences without resorting to violence.
Developing this culture involves working in particular with children and young people, giving them the opportunity to experience respect, dialogue, cooperation and inclusion in practice. These lessons are not conveyed through words alone. They are built through everyday interactions, in settings where everyone can learn to listen to one another, to respect shared rules, to manage disagreements and to cooperate.
It is with this in mind that Peace and Sport has chosen to promote sport as a tool for peace.
Sport as a space for learning
Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, to create spaces for interaction, and to put into practice the values and skills that are essential for living together harmoniously.
On the playing field, children and young people can learn to respect shared rules, to cooperate with others, to manage their emotions, to accept differences and to resolve disagreements.
But sport, on its own, does not automatically bring about peace. Its contribution depends on how it is designed, supervised and delivered. When it is used with a clear educational purpose, it can become a powerful tool for developing the skills and behaviours that foster more peaceful relationships.
As Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport, points out: “When sport is used with a clear educational purpose, it can help develop interpersonal skills and behaviours that foster respect, dialogue and cooperation.”
Investing in those who pass on these values
This approach places educators at the heart of the process. They are the key figures who transform sporting activities into learning experiences. In the most fragile environments, they can help to create safe and inclusive spaces in which children and young people can develop essential skills for dialogue, cooperation and respect for others.
Investing in peace therefore also means investing in their training, their support and their ability to use sport as a means of passing on knowledge.
Making peace a daily commitment
Building a culture of peace is a long-term commitment. The International Day of Peace therefore invites us to look beyond a single day. It reminds us that everyone can contribute, in their own way, to promoting respect, dialogue and inclusion.
Public authorities, the sports movement, federations, clubs, athletes, associations, educators and private sector stakeholders: everyone has a role to play.
On this International Day of Peace, Peace and Sport reaffirms its commitment to continuing its work to promote a culture of peace, drawing on the power of sport and on those who bring it to life every day.
