New York, NY — On the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) and All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN) proudly announced a new partnership to amplify the role of women and girls as powerful agents of change on the field, in their communities, and at the peace table.
Co-founded by acclaimed actor, producer, and newly appointed United Nations WPHF Global Patron, Whoopi Goldberg, AWSN will harness its global reach and storytelling power to bring renewed attention to the impact of women working across the world’s conflict zones in order to forge lasting peace.
WPHF and AWSN will join forces to elevate visibility, mobilize investment and inspire a new generation of changemakers and sports fans to join the global movement that supports women building a more equal and peaceful world.
At the heart of this partnership is a shared belief: peace is built through solidarity, community, participation, equality and collective action—values that drive both sport and peacebuilding.
“Peace is about creating space where everyone can play, participate and thrive on any field in life.” said Tonni Ann Brodber, Head of Secretariat of WPHF. “This partnership with AWSN allows us to harness the unifying power of sport to elevate women’s leadership, challenge inequalities, and drive meaningful investment in the women who are building peace every day on the frontlines. When women participate freely and lead, communities build on solidarity, and peace becomes possible.”
Sports are more than competition; they are catalysts for leadership, perseverance and unlocking potential. In conflict and crisis settings especially, access to sports can foster healing, rebuild trust, and empower women and girls with the confidence and skills needed to lead.
“As co-founder of AWSN and Global Patron of the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, I see this partnership as a perfect fit. I’m so proud of AWSN’s extraordinary growth over the past year and our ability to leverage sports diplomacy around the world. Aligning with WPHF will help us to continue to support women who are leading efforts to prevent conflict, respond to crises, and build lasting peace in their communities,” said Whoopi Goldberg.
In conflict and crisis settings, women and girls often carry the heaviest burdens while leading efforts in their respective communities to protect rights, revive economies, and deliver life-saving services and humanitarian aid.
WPHF invests directly in these frontline women’s groups, providing resources that strengthen resilience, rebuild trust, and lay the foundations for sustainable peace.
This year marks a decade of impact since the launch of WPHF, which has supported over 1,800 frontline women’s groups working to respond to humanitarian crises and building peace in 49 countries across the globe.
This landmark partnership with AWSN will amplify the WPHF Global #PeaceIs Campaign that celebrates the vital role women play to deliver on the promise of peace and security for all.
On this International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, WPHF and AWSN call on governments, businesses, sports fans and people everywhere to amplify their voices and invest in women’s leadership — both on and off the field — and recognize that when women rise, peace follows…for all of us.
About the United Nations Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF)
WPHF is a global partnership supporting local women’s organizations working to prevent conflict, respond to crises, and build sustainable peace. By investing directly in women peacebuilders and rights defenders, WPHF advances inclusive, lasting, locally-driven solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges in fragile settings worldwide.
AWSN – All Women’s Sport Network
The All Women’s Sport Network (AWSN) is the world’s fastest growing and largest global television network dedicated exclusively to women’s sports. The AWSN platform is available on over 1 billion devices across 65 countries and is redefining how audiences experience women’s athletics. Co-founded by entertainment icon Whoopi Goldberg and Jungo TV, AWSN’s mission is to champion and elevate female athletes at every level, from grassroots competitions to elite international leagues. AWSN stands at the forefront of a cultural movement, celebrating the power, talent, and stories of women in sports on a truly global stage.
