Dear Judo Family,
On 6th April, on the occasion of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, proudly, the International Judo Federation (IJF) joins the #WhiteCard campaign.
In today’s increasingly complex and uncertain world, marked by conflict and rising inequalities, it is always the most vulnerable, especially children, who suffer the most. In the face of these challenges, we must reaffirm our collective responsibility.
At a time when millions of children remain out of school, it is essential to underline that sport can be a powerful driver for change. It is one of the most impactful tools to promote peace, inclusion, education and social development worldwide.
Sport has the power to unite, to inspire and to change lives. It teaches respect, builds confidence and brings people together beyond all differences. For young people and communities alike, it offers not only hope but the opportunity to grow, to belong and to shape a better future.
Through Judo in particular, young people learn to respect one another, to co-operate, to overcome differences and to build together. Judo conveys universal values embodied in its moral code: respect, politeness, courage, sincerity, honour, modesty, self-control and friendship. These principles give us the means to contribute to building a more just, inclusive and peaceful society.
For many years, the IJF has been committed to promoting education, inclusion and peace through sport. Through our Judo for Peace Commission, we implement concrete actions on the ground across the world, providing young people with opportunities for learning, personal development and empowerment. In parallel, our Judo for Children programme plays a central role in introducing younger generations to the values of judo from an early age, in close synergy with our Judo for Peace initiatives.
We work with all stakeholders who share our commitment to peace. In this regard, our partnerships with the United Nations, including the UNHCR, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations and the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism, as well as with organisations whose field actions directly support the most vulnerable populations, are essential to strengthening the impact of our programmes worldwide.
The #WhiteCard 2026 campaign carries a simple yet essential message: providing access to sport means protecting the future of children and strengthening the future of our societies. It enables them to learn, to grow and to live in peace while empowering them to build a better future for themselves and for society.
I invite the entire judo community, athletes, coaches, national federations, clubs and all judoka to mobilise and carry this message forward. Together, let us raise our #WhiteCard to defend every child’s right to learn, to play and to grow up in a peaceful environment.
