New Year Message 2026

Every New Year presents an opportunity for renewal and reinvigoration;
a moment to leave behind the challenges of the past year and move forward with hope, responsibility, and solidarity.
Guided by the vision of “Sport Beyond Barriers and Borders,”
we unite in 2026 to advance peace, human dignity, and the rights of refugees,
and to reaffirm sport as a universal instrument and a powerful bridge for lasting peace.
In a world confronted with increasing humanitarian, social, and environmental challenges,
the need for peace has never been more urgent:
Peace among nations, through dialogue and international cooperation,
Peace within communities, grounded in justice and full respect for human rights,
Peace in homes, so that women and girls may live with dignity and security,
Peace with our environment, to ensure a sustainable future,
Peace in places of worship, rooted in mutual respect and understanding,
And peace in the digital space, free from violence, hate, and discrimination.
Sport holds a unique power to unite people beyond borders, cultures, and beliefs.
Through responsible leadership, international collaboration, and collective action,
sport can become a powerful force that protects the vulnerable, empowers youth,
and restores hope to displaced and marginalized communities.
In 2026, let us place peace at the center of our leadership, our words, and our actions,
and work together to build a world in which solidarity and cooperation prevail over division.
Hamid Ansarifar
President
UNSPA | FIESA | WFRSS