This year, the UNESCO theme for the seventh edition of World Radio Day (WRD) on February 13 is ‘Radio and Sports’.

WRD was first celebrated in 2012, following its declaration by the UNESCO General Conference. It was subsequently adopted as an International Day by the United Nations General Assembly.

Previous annual themes have included gender equality, youth participation, radio in humanitarian and disaster situations, and radio is you. Over the past years, World Radio Day has seen wide success, with over 500 events taking place worldwide.

This year’s theme calls on radio stations around the world to showcase the beauty of sports in all of its diversity as sporting events have the ability to unite the hearts and minds of people.

WRD 2018 will focus on the following UNESCO sub-themes:

Diversity in Sports Coverage: ​Through the coverage of traditional and grassroots games, radio can reconnect people with their cultural heritage, promoting freedom of expression and diversity through cultural expression;

Gender Equality in Sports Coverage: Sports coverage is hugely powerful in shaping norms and stereotypes about gender. Radio has the ability to challenge these norms, promoting a balanced coverage of men's and women's sports and a fair portrayal of sportspeople irrespective of gender;

Peace and Development through Sports Coverage: Through greater coverage of sports for peace and development initiatives, the universal values of non-violence, solidarity and tolerance are recognized and celebrated. 

Radio stations are encouraged to register for World Radio Day here and promote World Radio Day events or special broadcasts on the UNESCO map of activities.