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UNESCO Opens 'Fit for Life in Emergencies' Exhibition: Showcasing the Transformative Power of Sport for Resilience and Inclusion
The exhibition presents compelling stories of recovery from trauma caused by wars, natural disasters, forced displacement, discrimination, and exclusion. Featuring case studies from 22 countries, it highlights how sport is being utilized for peacebuilding, mental health support, gender equity, disability inclusion, social cohesion, and youth engagement.
This exhibition builds on the First International Expert Meeting on Fit for Life in Emergency Contexts, held from February 10 to 13, 2025, in Doha, Qatar, under the leadership of the UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). The event emphasized the critical role of sport in emergencies, promoting long-term recovery and societal resilience.
UNESCO's Fit for Life sport initiative aims to increase participation and investments in sports to drive social transformations. The initiative advocates for increased investment in sport as a means of promoting peace, inclusion, and human dignity in emergency settings. It emphasizes the role of sport in fostering social cohesion, mental well-being, and sustainable recovery in communities affected by conflict, displacement, and natural disasters.
Curated by the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha, Generation Amazing, and the International Center for Sport Security (ICSS), the exhibition emphasizes how sport can drive social transformation and build more resilient, inclusive communities in times of crisis.
Mr Salah Khaled, UNESCO Representative to the Gulf States and Yemen and Director of UNESCO Office in Doha, shared: "Sport is more than just a game; it is a lifeline. When communities face crises—whether due to conflict, natural disasters, displacement, or exclusion—sport has proven to be a vital tool for resilience, healing, and inclusion. The Fit for Life Flagship initiative underscores this reality, advocating for greater investment in sport as a vehicle for peace, inclusion, and human dignity."
Exhibition Details:
The exhibition is open to the public from 20 to 28 February 2025, from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm at Katara Cultural Village, Doha, Qatar.
