Celebrated annually on April 6, the occasion was declared by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly as an opportunity to celebrate how sport can help promote a positive contribution towards the UN’s objectives for development and peace.

Sporting leaders used the opportunity to deliver messages of peace and inclusion.

Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa President Mustapha Berraf said: "We must not give in to any pressure that will undermine Olympic values that are our sports creed.

"Let’s be peace crusaders by practising sport, organising it and granting it its hallowed importance.

"Sport is a powerful tool for building bridges, rallying people, building peace and friendships and forging respect beyond borders.

"Sport is a catalyst for the union that powers nations and should be used for the benefit of mankind."

International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer added: "The IJF has participated in the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace since its inception ten years ago.

"We have created a dedicated platform for the judo family to contribute with the White Card campaign.

"Today more than ever the world needs to start dialogue and reconciliation because we are facing one of the biggest conflicts from the last period of the world and more than ever judo and sport have to stay united for the benefit of peace, unity and solidarity."

The global theme of this year’s International Day of Sport for Development and Peace was "Scoring for People and the Planet" with discussions at the UN headquarters in New York focused on sustainability and climate action, gender equality and the fight against racism and hate speech.

Tibu Africa and Peace and Sport joined the conference with Tibu Africa President Amine Zariat speaking about the organisation’s Girls CAN project, which aims to use sport-based actions promoting empowerment and integration of young Moroccan girls and women.

"Today, I am the voice of change-makers and social innovators through sport," said Zariat.

"There are many of them creating a strong and lasting impact in their communities.

"This is an opportunity to pay tribute to the local sport associations, schools, educators and facilitators who are developing innovative programmes and approaches to use sport as a lever for human, social and economic development."

President and founder of Peace and Sport Joel Bouzou added: "Over the past decade, the recognition of sport as a tool for building a culture of peace has grown considerably, as demonstrated by the annual mobilisation on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

"Our #WhiteCard campaign, which is anchored on this day, reminds us of the significant influence that sport can have on our societies, and the responsibility of each and every one of us to commit to the creation of a better and more sustainable future."

Meanwhile the World Baseball Softball Confederation used the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace to announce the creation of a new Legacy Club, designed to raise funds to be used to help make baseball and softball more accessible around the world.

WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari tweeted: "The creation of the WBSC Legacy Club is a dream come true for me.

"We have a responsibility not only to develop and promote our sport, but we have the opportunity to also help people and communities in need around the world, particularly with social inclusion and personal development through baseball, softball and baseball5.

"That is what the WBSC Legacy Club is about, providing a chance for anyone to stimulate social change and development through the power of sport."