With resolution A/RES/67/296 adopted on 23 August 2013, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 6 April as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. This initiative is part of a progressive recognition by the United Nations of the positive impact that sport can have in promoting human rights and economic and social development.

This year, the theme of the day established by the United Nations will be social inclusion, especially with reference to groups on the margins of society. With this theme, the goal is to break stereotypes, promote equal opportunities for all, and highlight the role that sport plays in promoting inclusion. Furthermore, to commemorate this day, an event will be held in New York at the United Nations Headquarters to discuss sports, gender equality, healthy ageing: various interconnected issues.

To emphasise the importance of the interconnection between sport and peace, within the General Course: Peace and Nonviolent Conflict Transformation at the University of Padova, the Human Rights Centre is organising a lesson dedicated to the Olympic truce on 19 May, in collaboration with the Milano Cortina Foundation and the Veneto Region.