Background

Amid growing concerns about mental health, particularly among young people, the global community is facing a substantial challenge. Mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders, are among the leading causes of illness and disability worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 4 people globally will be impacted by mental illness at some point in their lives. Among those who have experienced war or other conflict, 22% face mental health challenges such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions. This crisis extends across age groups but disproportionately affects adolescents; 1 in 7 young people aged 10-19 experience a mental disorder, and suicide remains the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15-29, especially impacting young women and girls.

The cost of physical inactivity on global healthcare systems could reach $300 billion USD between 2020 and 2030, with conditions exacerbated by limited access to treatment in low- and middle-income countries. Nearly 9 out of 10 people with a mental health condition experience stigma and discrimination, which compounds their struggles and prevents them from leading fulfilling lives.

In response to these significant mental health and public health challenges, the Distinguished Mission of Angola, with co-sponsors Morocco, Botswana, Brazil, Argentina, Qatar, Timor-Leste, Tajikistan, Dominica, Colombia, Liberia, and Namibia, and in partnership with the World Youth Group, proposes the establishment of International Sports Week from April 5 to April 9. This initiative will align with existing international observances and amplify the impact of World Health Day (April 7) and the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (April 6) as designated by UN General Assembly Resolution 67/296 and WHO Resolution WHA\A.2\Res/.35.

Rationale & Supporting Data

Globally, mental health challenges and physical inactivity are among the most pressing public health concerns:

Mental Health Crisis

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1 in 7 adolescents experiences a mental health disorder, accounting for 15% of the global disease burden in this age group.​

1 in 7 adolescents experiences a mental health disorder, accounting for 15% of the global disease burden in this age group.​

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Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year- old.​

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year- old.​

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350 million people worldwide suffer from depression.​

350 million people worldwide suffer from depression.​

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Almost 9 out of 10 individuals with mental health conditions face stigma and discrimination.​

Almost 9 out of 10 individuals with mental health conditions face stigma and discrimination.​

Physical Inactivity Costs

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80% of adolescents and 31% of adults fail to meet recommended physical activity levels.

80% of adolescents and 31% of adults fail to meet recommended physical activity levels.

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The global cost of physical inactivity to public health systems is estimated at $300 billion between 2020 and 2030.​

The global cost of physical inactivity to public health systems is estimated at $300 billion between 2020 and 2030.​

Sports as a Solution

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Physical activity can prevent noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.​

Physical activity can prevent noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.​

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Regular sports participation reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, enhances brain health, and improves cognitive and motor development in youth.​

Regular sports participation reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, enhances brain health, and improves cognitive and motor development in youth.​

Resolution Timeline

How it all happened

Health Summit

Ministerial and Ambassadorial Panel

American Sports Council (CADE)

The American Sports Counsil under the presidency of Ministry of Sports of Ecuador unanimously passes resolution to endorse the campaign for UN Resolution for International Sports Week.

Permanent Mission of Angola to the UN

H.E.Amb Luemba, Permanent Representative of Angola to the UN, agrees with Hon.Mr Christo Thomas , Chairman of World Youth Group, he will lead the campaign for the UN Resolution in the UNGA.