Search for Common Ground (SFCG) Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board (NTB jointly organized a panel discussion titled, 'Sports for Peace building' to highlight the universal message of unity and peace that sports embodies.

"Sports is a universal language. It brings people together, bridges differences, and sparks positive dialogues." Search for Common Ground (SFCG) Nepal acknowledges the power of sports to mitigate conflict and ease tension between various dividing factors.

The panel discussion is a part of the '2ndNepal International FICTS Sports Film Festival' promoted by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). Gyanendra Malla (Cricketer), Rabin Shrestha (Football player), Suraj Giri (Sports Commentator), Reecha Sharma (Actor), and Sarita Bartaula (President, Youth Initiative) participated in the panel discussion.  The discussion aimed to promote the meaningful role of sports in peace building. Panelists also commented on the unique nature of sports to evoke a sense of belonging and trust in people.

SFCG Nepal from its initial period has promoted sports as a vital peace building tool. Explaining the viability of sports in peace building practices, Yubakar Raj Rajkarnikar, Director of Programs at SFCG - Nepal, shared:"We organize football clinics to bring youth and police together for a friendly football match. These friendly football matches interlinked with creative dialogue sessions have been successful in building collaboration and trust. After the football clinic there was a 40% increase in the number of youths who shared that they would help and collaborate with the police." SFCG is committed in promoting the power of sports to build peace and to bring people together.