Each year on April 6, the world celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. This year, it is celebrated under the theme “Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”, to shed light on the role of sports and physical activity in consolidating the values of coexistence among communities worldwide.

On this occasion, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) reiterates its commitment to enhancing the role of sports. Seeing sports as a catalyst for social integration, development, and the consolidation of values of coexistence and peace, ICESCO calls on the international community to join efforts in utilizing sports to build inclusive communities capable of withstanding crises.

Recognizing the influential role of sports in promoting dialogue, creativity, and international cooperation, ICESCO has launched the Sports for Social Change initiative, as well as the Sports Diplomacy Program and International Youth Volunteers in Sport Program. Additionally, it organized the first ICESCO forum on Women in Sports to discuss the importance of augmenting women’s participation in sports and inspiring girls to become leaders in this field.

In the last two editions of the ICESCO Marathon in Rabat, over a thousand runners of all ages, including people with special needs, participated to emphasize the significance of investing in sports to improve physical and mental health and achieve prosperity in the Islamic world.

ICESCO’s football program for rehabilitating street children seeks to tackle social inequality and uphold children’s rights by utilizing sports to combat violence and create safe environments for street children.