World Fair Play Day 2026
May 19, 2026 in the World
World Fair Play Day is observed on May 19, 2026. It was originally initiated by international sports organizations and has been marked annually since 2020 as a global civil society initiative to promote fairness in sport. In 2024, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 19 May as the official World Fair Play Day, with the first UN-recognized observance taking place in 2025. The date does not commemorate a specific historical event.
The purpose of the day is to promote the values of fairness, respect and integrity in sports and in everyday life. It encourages ethical behaviour, equal opportunity and solidarity in both professional and amateur athletic environments.
World Fair Play Day supports educational campaigns, sporting events and public awareness initiatives. The United Nations and participating sports organizations encourage institutions and individuals to highlight the importance of fair play as a foundation for mutual respect and positive social interaction.