Amman, Jordan; 6 April 2024: On International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, Generations For Peace (GFP) reiterates its dedication to taking a leading role in using sport to effect sustainable conflict resolution.
Founded in 2007 by Jordan Olympic Commitment President HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein, GFP continues to run programmes and initiatives in countries across the globe focused on using sport to educate youth and foster cohesion within communities.
GFP Founder and Chair of the Board HRH Prince Feisal said:
“International Day of Sport for Development and Peace serves as an important reminder of the critical role sport can play in promoting solidarity and inspiring hope. At a time when the world is increasingly divided, sport must continue to set an example of inclusivity, understanding and acceptance.
“Organisations like Generations For Peace are dedicated to positioning sport as a vehicle for driving peace and cohesion within communities. The programmes that GFP run globally have impacted millions of children and adults, inspiring participants to spread sport’s positive message. I am incredibly proud of the impact that GFP has had on so many lives.”
In 2023, TheDotGood ranked GFP as number 25 in its Top 200 Social Good Organisations (SGO), placing it as the third highest-ranked peacebuilding SGO globally and the highest ranked in the Arab world. In addition, it remains the only peace-through-sport organisation recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Already this year, GFP USA has launched a new peacebuilding academy in collaboration with five youth sport organisations in Chicago and Washington DC, cities which are experiencing concerning levels of youth violence. More than 3,900 children and youth will be reached as GFP work with existing organisations to strengthen their programmes and encourage best practice.
In Jordan, The Riadati Programme, which was launched in 2022, and will continue to run until the end of 2024. Supported by the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF), it is focused on providing safe spaces for children and youth to enjoy sports sessions that enhance their mental health and psychosocial well-being spreading peace and fostering social cohesion.
The Riadati Programme has had a particularly positive impact in areas close to borders which have been severely impacted by displacement, in addition to supporting youth in the host communities. In 2023, 14 facilitators have volunteered to conduct 86 sessions across several Jordanian regions, involving 850 male and female children and youth affected by displacement. Additionally, 32 Summer Sport Camps were conducted in 2022 and 2023 with the participation of 3,200 public school students across the Kingdom.
