International Day of Sport for Development and Peace 2026

April 6 is the United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, which recognizes the power of sport in promoting peace and erasing cultural barriers worldwide.

Celebrate International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace promotes healthy lifestyles and emphasizes the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) focus on giving as many people as possible access to sport. It is day when some of the world’s leading sportspeople work together with communities to bring sporting opportunities to enrich lives, particularly children.

Public Life

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace is a global observance and not a public holiday.

About International Day of Sport for Development and Peace

The IOC and the UN have a long-standing commitment to using sport as a tool for social change and have worked together on many projects over the years. Both organizations have used sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, to bridge cultural understanding and improve education, health, economic and social development.

On August 23, 2013, the UN proclaimed that the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace would be celebrated on April 6 each year. This date also marks the opening of the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.