The literature about the contribution of sport, physical education, or even physical activity to development goals in Pakistan, Iran, Palestine, and the Occupied Territories is scarce. This chapter aims to address this issue in these three countries by 1) drawing the context from historical and sociological perspectives, 2) mapping and describing the initiatives of SDP, and 3) identifying lessons learned from each region as well as common elements. This scoping review reveals a great variety of actors involved (e.g., local and international NGOs, sports clubs, federations, government) in complex territories, around numerous themes, and missions (e.g., education, health, social cohesion, violence prevention, peace). Many organizations use football (soccer) or multiple physical activities to operate their projects. Our research encountered some difficulties in accessing information on SDP initiatives in these territories, as the sustainability of projects is often affected by very unstable or changing contexts, funding that is not sustained, or perspectives and standards that do not necessarily align with international and Western sports norms and practices. More research on SDP is now needed in these regions to better understand the challenges and opportunities of using sport for development and peace in three very changing environments.
Potential and Opportunities of Sport for Development and Peace in Pakistan, Iran, Palestine, and the Occupied Territories
