"The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity." Fundamental Principles of Olympism, Olympic Charter.
The IOC President, Thomas Bach, regularly emphasizes that "sport is not just physical activity; it promotes health and helps prevent, or even cure, the diseases of modern civilization. It also is an educational tool which fosters cognitive development; teaches social behaviour; and helps to integrate communities".
The IOC cooperates with partners, including numerous United Nations agencies, as well as international governmental and nongovernmental institutions, on projects which use sport as a tool for development and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
National Olympic Committees also support these activities locally through their sports expertise and networks. Several International Federations have also developed initiatives in this field.
Sport for hope
The Sport for Hope Programme is a joint initiative between the IOC, its Olympic Movement stakeholders and the local governments.
Peace Through Sport
The IOC was founded in 1894 on the belief that sport can contribute to peace and to the harmonious development of humankind. The Olympic Movement continues to work on a daily basis to use sport to promote peace and the Olympic principles around the world.
Cooperation with the UN
The United Nations has long recognised the contribution of sport for development and peace, and collaboration between the IOC and the UN has played a central role in spreading the acceptance of sport as a means to promote internationally agreed development goals.
Support to Youth Refugees
Around the world, around 60 million people, a great proportion of which are children and young people, have fled their homes because of war or persecution.
Over the last 20 years, the International Olympic Committee has offered humanitarian sports assistance to refugees in numerous countries around the world. with the belief that every child and human being has a fundamental right of access to sport and playing. Thanks to its health and psychological benefits, sport plays a healing role for refugees and brings hope and joy in troubled times.
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Gender equality
Over the last 20 years, the IOC has been advocating for the participation of women at all levels, encouraging National Olympic Committees and International Federations to enhance the presence of women in sport.