Peace and Sport 

unites the Sports world in Monaco to ‘Speak Your Peace’

The universal values of peace through sports were in the spotlight  in Monaco in presence of Champions and high- level governance leaders from the sports world with a common goal of underlining the ability of sport to transmit a culture of peace to younger generations in a tense geopolitical context. 

4th dec 2024 : Under the title “Speak your Peace”, the 14th Peace and Sport International Forum concluded a year in which Peace and Sport has emphasized the pivotal role of athletes and encouraged everyone to join them in speaking up for peace through sport. The day was articulated around 3 events, The International Forum, The Peace Walk, the Peace and Sport awards.

Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport, said: “For 17 years, Peace and Sport has been driving to integrate the universal values of peace into sports, it is important now to clearly put sports into peace.”

The International Forum

In an exclusive high-level TV format, Leaders and Champions shared high-level testimonies, reflecting on Peace and Sport’s recommendations to develop the intentional use of sport to transmit the values of peace worldwide.

Expert speakers on 3 key themes illustrating peace through sport

• Shaping minds through sport

This session looked at the current landscape of sport used as a tool to build a culture of peace. After examining its current role in programs and policies aimed at transmitting peace values, the discussions will highlight existing investment systems and key recommendations.

• Driving inclusion

This session focused on the power of sport for living together, as a lever for the inclusion of girls, women and young people. The discussion will cover diverse perspectives, including the importance of early investment in sport for girls and the role of inspirational role models. The discussion aims to move from vision to action, showing how sport promotes equality and builds stronger, more inclusive communities.

• Teaming up with Champions for Peace

This session highlighted the power of sport for living together, as a lever for the inclusion of girls, women and young people. The discussion covered diverse perspectives, including the importance of early investment in sport for girls and the role of inspirational role models. The discussion aims to move from vision to action, showing how sport promotes equality and builds stronger, more inclusive communities.

Concrete actions and recommendations to conclude

All participants joined Peace and Sport’s appeal to international leaders to actively deploy the intentional use of sport as a tool for transmitting values of peace.

The Recommendations

• Making sport a priority – Governments to convert vision into action by investing in training for educators and in programmes designed to transmit values through sport.
• Enhancing local capacity – Public and sport authorities to recognise peace educators as qualified and employable personnel.
• Clustering and sharing ressources –  Public and private stakeholders to strengthen their coordination and ensure the effective use of funds allocated to peace through sport initiatives.
• Evaluating the impact of programs – Public and private donors and investors to finance the implementation of impact studies at community level focusing on a long-term vision and on the impact criteria which add the qualitative to the quantitative.
• Developing a holistic approach – Public authorities to create dedicated offices ensuring coordination among the various sectors involved in implementing transversal programs, taking an inter-ministerial approach.
• Mentoring Atheletes – Sports authorities to provide trainings on athletes’ social impact and offer them platforms for action and expression.
• Scaling up – Public and private stakeholders to prioritise support for the scaling up of high-impact programmes.

 The Peace Walk

Following the high level discussions at the forum, all participants attended the Peace Walk. Starting from the square at the Prince’s Palace in Monaco and ending at the Oceanographic Museum, the venue for the prestigious Peace and Sport Awards ceremony.

This initiative was led by the Champions of Peace, institutional representatives, policymakers, and inspiring figures who embody the values upheld by the Organization: Neutrality, Resilience, Inclusion, Independence, Equity, and Dialogue.

The Peace and Sport Awards

The Peace and Sport Awards were established in 2008 to recognize individuals and organizations that have made remarkable efforts towards promoting peace, social stability, and dialogue through sports. The winners have initiated programs ranging from specific field programs to global initiatives that embody the power of sports to bring together divided or opposed communities. In 2024, the Peace and Sport Awards will showcase the best practices that can inspire local, regional, and international stakeholders to understand the potential of sports to achieve global peace. 

• Peace Education Through Sport : Independiente del Valle
• Empowerment Through Sport : Lighthouse Relief
• Diplomatic Action of the Year : Winds of Change
• Coalitions for Peace through Sport : FIA
• Game Changers for Peace : Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Sporting Authorities
• Champion of the Year : Sifan Hassan
• Person of the Year : Tony Estanguet

Tony Estanguet and Sifan Hassan honored at the 2024 Peace and Sport Awards Ceremony

3 December 2024 – Principality of Monaco

The highly anticipated Peace and Sport Awards 2024 celebrate the profound capacity of sport to transform lives, break barriers, and build peaceful communities. This year’s nominees exemplify how sport can be a powerful tool for change, with initiatives that span continents and address global challenges.

Champion for Peace of the Year Award

Sifan Hassan, a trailblazing athlete and six-time Olympic medalist, is recognized for her unparalleled impact. From her journey as a refugee to her rise as a world-renowned athlete, she has become a beacon of hope, breaking records and barriers on and off the field.

Person of the Year Award

Tony Estanguet, a three-time Olympic champion in canoe slalom and the architect of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, is celebrated for his outstanding achievements as an athlete and his visionary leadership. He embodies the power of sport to unite and inspire.

Peace Education Through Sport

Independiente del Valle is honored for its initiative “Latidos del valle” educating young football players on the importance of inclusion, respect, and anti-racism, using sport as a platform to instill these values in future generations.

Empowerment Through Sport

Lighthouse Relief receives recognition for its work in refugee camps, where sport enhances the mental and physical well-being of children and youth, providing them with strength and resilience in challenging circumstances.

Game Changers for Peace Award

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Sporting Authorities are celebrated for embedding sport at the heart of their Vision 2030. This bold strategy redefines sport’s role in society as a catalyst for inclusion, development, and long-term progress.

Diplomatic Action of the Year

The Winds of Change initiative, led by Olympian and IOC Young Leader Dr. Sophia Papamichalopoulos, unites Cypriot youth from both sides of the island through sailing, fostering dialogue and peace in one of the world’s most divided regions.

Coalitions for Peace Through Sport

The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is honored for its innovative approach to combating online abuse in sports, uniting stakeholders through training, awareness campaigns, and policy change to create safer digital spaces.

These initiatives remind us that sport is more than competition; it is a vehicle for peace, education and inclusion.

About Peace and Sport

Founded in 2007, Peace and Sport is an international organization dedicated to promoting sustainable peace through the universal language of sport. The annual Peace and Sport Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that use sport as a tool for positive societal change.