Published by the Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events and Promotion of Sport and Its Values as Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism
Sport and its values have been harnessed across the globe as a powerful force in peacebuilding efforts and in preventing violent extremism (PVE). As a fundamental human value, sport should be embraced, reinforced and used as a generator of positive values with unparalleled unifying power: it can transcend civilizational and cultural barriers. For this reason, sport and sporting events play a significant role in addressing PVE, by promoting the empowerment of youth and women, and by facilitating integration. Sport pushes people to be better, to aim higher and further. It promotes tolerance and gender equality, strengthens communities, builds resilience and channels natural competitive instincts in a harmonious way. Such sport values allow it to be a compelling force in efforts to PVE.