#Monaco #Peace and Sport #Sports for Peace #WhiteCard

Peace and Sport Launches the #WhiteCard 2025 Campaign

In light of the International Day of Sports for Development and Peace, Peace and Sport has officially launched its global initiative, the #WhiteCard 2025 campaign, from Monaco. The campaign seeks to underscore sports as a powerful conduit for peace and social inclusion, drawing particular attention to the plight of the 460 million children who reside in conflict zones without access to basic necessities like education and play spaces.

A Global Call to Action

According to UNICEF, one in six children around the world lives in a conflict area where education is inaccessible, and the risk of social exclusion is high. In response to this urgent issue, Peace and Sport advocates for increased investments in sports, which the United Nations recognizes as a vital tool for reconciliation, conflict prevention, and post-conflict recovery.

Education for peace is at the heart of this initiative. Sports serve as a formidable educational tool, imparting crucial values such as respect, teamwork, and resilience. By integrating 'Sports for Peace' programs into educational systems, especially in conflict-affected regions, children can regain access to structured learning environments that foster both academic and personal development.

Moreover, sports play an essential role in post-conflict reconstruction by aiding the reintegration of displaced youth, rebuilding communities, and promoting social cohesion. Peace and Sport calls for policymakers and institutions to prioritize investments in peace through sports, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a peaceful and resilient society.

Support from Renowned Champions

The #WhiteCard 2025 campaign gains momentum with support from prominent athletes known as Champions for Peace. This group includes Didier Drogba, Vice-President of Peace and Sport, alongside Grace Geyoro (France, Football), Cheick Cissé (Ivory Coast, Taekwondo), Zakia Khudadadi (Para-Taekwondo), Siya Kolisi (South Africa, Rugby), Clarisse Agbegnenou (France, Judo), and Egan Bernal (Colombia, Cycling). These champions are dedicated to raising public awareness about the crucial role sports play in building peaceful societies.

Join the Movement

The official launch event took place in Monaco, attended by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, a strong advocate for using sports as a means for peace and a patron of Peace and Sport. Peace and Sport invites the global community to join this movement by sharing their #WhiteCard and its underlying message on social media. This simple gesture carries a vital message: sports are a right and an important instrument for crafting a better future.

By participating in this campaign, individuals and organizations around the world can contribute to a collective effort aimed at promoting peace through the transformative power of sport. The essence of the #WhiteCard initiative is to galvanize action, ensuring that sports become a universal avenue for fostering social harmony and development for children everywhere.

Whether through engagement on social media or on-the-ground community initiatives, the #WhiteCard campaign exemplifies the potential of sports to unite diverse individuals and groups towards a common goal of global peace. Everyone has a role to play, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions.