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

Peace and Sport Launches the #WhiteCard 2025 Campaign

On April 3, 2025, Peace and Sport unveiled the #WhiteCard 2025 campaign in Monaco, a global initiative aimed at promoting peace and social cohesion through the medium of sports. This announcement coincides with the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and highlights the urgent need to address the challenges faced by 460 million children in conflict zones worldwide.

The Importance of Sports in Conflict Zones

UNICEF reports that an alarming one in six children currently lives in areas affected by conflict, often lacking access to education and safe spaces to play. In response to this pressing situation, Peace and Sport advocates for enhanced investment in sports as a means to foster reconciliation and promote post-conflict recovery. Recognized by the United Nations, sports are viewed as a vital tool in conflict prevention and reconstruction, serving as a bridge for communities torn apart by violence.

The #WhiteCard initiative emphasizes peace education, proposing that sports can impart lesson values such as teamwork, respect, and resilience. By embedding peace-oriented sports programs into educational systems, especially those impacted by conflict, children are not only offered structured learning opportunities but also a chance to grow personally and academically.

Engaging Champions for Peace

The campaign has garnered the backing of several distinguished sports figures known as Champions for Peace. This influential group includes notable personalities such as Didier Drogba, who serves as the Vice President of Peace and Sport, alongside other celebrated athletes like Grace Geyoro, Cheick Cissé, Zakia Khudadadi, Siya Kolisi, Clarisse Agbegnenou, and Egan Bernal. Their involvement aims to elevate public awareness regarding the significant role of sports in fostering peaceful societies.

A Call to Action

The official launch event was graced by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, an enthusiastic proponent of employing sports as a mechanism for peace and the campaign’s patron. The message was clear; it’s time for the international community to rally together and support this mission. Peace and Sport encourages everyone to participate by sharing their #WhiteCard message across social media platforms. This simple act serves as a reminder that sports should be recognized not only as a right but as an essential foundation for nurturing a brighter future for all.

In conclusion, the #WhiteCard 2025 campaign is a vital step towards leveraging the transformative power of sports to heal, unite, and inspire individuals and communities traumatized by conflict. With the collective efforts of sports advocates and global citizens, a more peaceful world is within reach.