Director-General's remarks for the opening of the exhibition “Building Bridges through Sport: Development in Action”

“Building Bridges through Sport: Development in Action”
International Day of Sport Development and Peace event

Wednesday, 8 April 2026, at 1.00 p.m.
Salle des Pas Perdus, Building A, Palais des Nations

Delivered by Ms. Kira Kruglikova, Director, 
Division of Administration, United Nations Office at Geneva

Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen, 
Dear colleagues,

It is a great honor for me to welcome you today to the Palais des Nations for the opening of the exhibition “Building Bridges through Sport: Development in Action”, organized in observance of the International Day of Sport Development and Peace. Unfortunately, Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, could not join us today. She has asked me to convey the following message on her behalf.

“Ambassador Binkhothaila [Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia],
Mr. Alkahtani [Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development],
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen,

It is a pleasure to welcome all of you to the Palais des Nations for the exhibition “Building Bridges through Sport: Development in Action” dedicated to the International Day of Sport and Development and Peace.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, as well as to the Saudi Fund for Development, for organizing this important event.  

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2013 through resolution 67/296, recognizing the important role that sport plays in promoting human rights, sustainable development and peace.

Most recently, the Doha Political Declaration adopted in November 2025, reaffirmed the commitment of the international community to advancing the role of sport in fostering social integration and social cohesion, recognizing its growing importance as a tool for sustainable development.

This year’s theme of the International Day – “Sport: Building Bridges, breaking Barriers” – reminds us that sport is far more than competition. It is a universal language that transcends cultural, social and political boundaries.

In an increasingly fragmented world, sport has a unique capacity to forge bonds, bring communities together, and create spaces for dialogue, solidarity and mutual respect. In doing so, it contributes to stronger, more inclusive societies leaving no one behind.

Sport is also a powerful catalyst for development. It promotes health and well-being, supports education, empowers women and girls, and advances equality and inclusion. These contributions directly support the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly in advancing health, gender equality, reduced inequalities, peaceful and inclusive societies.

Today’s exhibition highlights how community-based initiatives and development partnerships, including those supported by the Saudi Fund for Development, can translate these principles into tangible improvements in people’s lives.

Here in International Geneva, we witness every day the importance of collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector. Such partnerships are essential to address global challenges and to ensure that development efforts reach those who need them most.

Sport offers an inspiring pathway for such cooperation – helping to strengthen communities, promote inclusion and build bridges between people, societies and states.  

May this International Day of Sport inspire stronger partnerships, deeper dialogue, and a renewed commitment to harnessing the power of sport for development and peace.

Thank you.”

This was the message of the Director-General. Thank you for your attention.