Women's sports are rapidly growing in popularity and influence, with record-breaking achievements and increasing gender parity, yet significant gaps in coverage, leadership, and pay still need to be addressed.

New data show that nearly one third (31%) of adults worldwide, approximately 1.8 billion people, did not meet the recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. The findings point to a worrying trend of physical inactivity among adults, which has increased by about 5 percentage points between 2010 and 2022. If the trend continues, levels of inactivity are projected to further rise to 35% by 2030. In light of these findings, WHO is calling on countries to strengthen their policy implementation to promote and enable physical activity through grassroots and community sport and active recreation and transport.

Physical activity is linked to better mental health, improved quality of life, and overall well-being. Yoga, a 5000-year-old tradition, is a valuable practice for individuals of all ages to incorporate physical activity into their lives and achieve the level necessary to support good health. In 2024, the UN commemorates the 10th International Day of Yoga (21 June) under the theme “Yoga for Self and Society”. The global celebration aims to foster unity and harmony, transcending borders and cultures, and guiding us toward a peaceful and healthy world.

25 May is the inaugural World Football Day. It coincides with the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament, held during the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. Today, let's rejoice in the universal appeal and accessibility of football, and use it as a catalyst to promote health and wellbeing, gender equality, and fostering mutual understanding, tolerance, respect, and solidarity.

UNESCO roundtable unites leaders in sport and government to combat gender-based violence, emphasize survivor voices, advocate for data-driven policies, and promote inclusive narratives for a safer and more equitable sports culture worldwide.

Solange Memadji, displaced by conflict in Chad, finds solace and community in Baltram, where integration initiatives empower displaced individuals to rebuild their lives and foster unity within their host community.

Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (6 April), presents an opportunity to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and people’s lives across the globe. The global theme for 2024 is “Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”. The UN has long recognized the power and universality of sport and has used it to unite individuals and groups through the promotion of sports for development.

Didier Drogba cautions young African footballers on the perils of exploitation and human trafficking as part of a campaign by the International Labour Organization, FIFPRO, and the Didier Drogba Foundation, aiming to raise awareness and protect aspiring players.

Mary Harvey, Chief Executive of the Centre for Sports and Human Rights, highlights the intrinsic connection between sports and human rights values when sport is healthy and vibrant. With her extensive background as a former athlete on the USA women’s football team and her involvement in bringing the FIFA World Cup to North America in 2026, Harvey brings a unique perspective to the discussion.

“If we are trying to make human rights something that is more every day, sport provides that, that connection to people in an everyday way,” she said.

In an episode of the UN Human Rights Podcast, Harvey delves into the significance of sports in making human rights more accessible to people on a daily basis.

She emphasizes the power of sports as a platform for educating individuals about human rights in a relatable and everyday manner.

“It is a wonderful way to educate people about human rights and that makes it very relevant for everyone.” she concludes.

Photo: © Getty

For the inaugural celebration of World Basketball Day on 21 December 2023, the global impact of basketball takes centre stage. Like other sports, basketball transcends borders, cultures, and languages. It serves as a unifying force through which people from different backgrounds can come together, bond and communicate with each other, creating connections and breaking down barriers, and thereby contributing to peace. Together, let us champion the transformative power of sports in shaping a more harmonious and interconnected global community. Happy World Basketball Day!

Exiled Afghan women’s football teams scores goals in Australia in hopes of making a future in their new country, facilitated by UNHCR.

UN Women is partnering with FIFA on two calls to action: the first to “Unite for Gender Equality” and the second to “Unite for Ending Violence against Women, critical for a peaceful and sustainable world.

Chess is one of the most ancient, intellectual and cultural games, with a combination of sport, scientific thinking and elements of art. Chess also offers important opportunities for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals, including strengthening education, realizing gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls and fostering inclusion, tolerance, mutual understanding and respect. On World Chess Day (20 July), let’s celebrate chess for sustainable development!

Physical activity is associated with improved mental health and improved quality of life and well-being. A routine practice of yoga – a 5000-year-old tradition – is a valuable tool for people of all ages to make physical activity an integral part of life and reach the level needed to promote good health. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness worldwide of the many benefits of practicing yoga, which is not just an exercise - it unites body and mind, humanity and nature, and millions of people across the globe, for whom it is a source of strength, harmony, and peace.

The bicycle is an instrument of sustainable transportation, conveying a positive message to foster sustainable consumption and production and has a positive impact on climate. It contributes to cleaner air and less congestion. It also makes education, health care and other social services more accessible to the most vulnerable populations. This World Bicycle Day (3 June) ride a bike for your health and the health of our planet!