The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), celebrated every year on 6 April, is a chance for everyone to “recognise the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and people’s lives across the globe”, according to the official UN website.

As proven time and time again, sport has the huge power to change the world, creating memories and becoming, over the years, a powerful tool to strengthen social ties, sustainable development and peace, as well as solidarity and respect for all. And handball has always played a crucial role in that, showing time and time again that it can act as a catalyst for this purpose.

The United Nations has long recognised the power and universality of sport, using it to unite individuals and groups through supporting sport for development efforts, participating in events from the global to the grassroots level, and developing its sports-related campaigns and initiatives.

The UN theme for Saturday 6 April 2025 will focus on the theme of ‘Social Inclusion’, with a focus on the most marginalized groups as well as on age, gender, and race. This year’s theme aims to challenge stereotypes, promote equal opportunities, and enable inclusive sport for all, regardless of age, gender, or race.

It highlights the role of sport as a unifying force that fosters inclusion and more equitable societies, while being a powerful platform for dialogue to tackle prejudices and inspire positive change across the world.

With plenty on the agenda, sport can empower women and girls, young people, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups to advance health, sustainability, and education objectives. It can also serve as a vehicle to promote climate action, gender equality, and the fight against racism and hate speech.

In 2014, the independent worldwide organisation Peace and Sport created the #WhiteCard – referring to the yellow and red cards in sports – as a symbol to represent “the positive power of sport for peace and social inclusion".

To find out how to participate in the #WhiteCard campaign, visit www.April6.org.