On May 7, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution A/RES/78/281, proclaiming May 25 as World Football Day. This landmark resolution acknowledges the profound impact of football on global commerce, peace, diplomacy, and cooperation. Initiated by Bahrain, Libya, and Tajikistan, and co-sponsored by 170 nations, the resolution underscores football’s unique ability to unite people across diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds.
A Century of Football’s Influence
The date for World Football Day was chosen to mark the centenary of the first international football tournament featuring teams from all global regions. This historic event took place during the 1924 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Additionally, it commemorates the 1928 FIFA Congress in Amsterdam, where the decision to create the FIFA World Cup was made. These milestones highlight football’s long-standing global influence and its role in fostering international unity.
Football for the Goals: Aligning with Sustainable Development
The adoption of World Football Day aligns with the United Nations initiative, Football for the Goals (FFTG), launched in 2022. FFTG aims to leverage football’s extensive reach to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative engages various football stakeholders, including confederations, national associations, leagues, clubs, and players’ associations, to champion sustainability, equality, human rights, and climate action.
World Football Day as a Catalyst for Positive Change
Football’s broad appeal and accessibility make it a potent tool for promoting health, well-being, and social inclusion. The sport serves as a universal language, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds. It fosters a sense of community, national pride, and mutual understanding. Moreover, football has been instrumental in advancing gender equality, empowering women and girls on and off the field, and breaking down barriers between diverse communities.
Inspiration from FIFA President Gianni Infantino
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his gratitude to the United Nations for the “historic” resolution. In a statement, he emphasized football’s power to unite the world and proposed extending the celebration to a World Football Week from May 21 to May 25. This extended celebration would mark significant milestones in football history, including the founding of FIFA on May 21, 1904. Infantino’s proposal received support from Dennis Francis, the President of the UN General Assembly, and the Group of Friends of Football.
Global Support and Advocacy
The resolution’s adoption was celebrated by FIFA World Cup winners Marco Tardelli and Gianluigi Buffon, former France international Laura Georges, and senior UN officials. These figures delivered messages of support, highlighting football’s role in promoting peace and inclusivity. The Permanent Representative of Bahrain, Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, welcomed Infantino’s commitment to the World Football Week initiative and expressed eagerness to collaborate with FIFA through the Group of Friends of Football.
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United Nations and FIFA: A Strong Partnership
The United Nations and FIFA have developed a close relationship, working together on numerous projects to harness football’s popularity for positive societal impact. During the FIFA World Cup 2022 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, UN agencies such as UNESCO, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization, and UN Women utilized the global platform to connect with billions of football fans. This collaboration has changed millions of lives, spreading messages of peace and inclusivity.
Looking Forward: A Week of Global Celebration
The proclamation of World Football Day and the proposed World Football Week offer a unique opportunity to celebrate football’s unifying power. These events aim to showcase the sport’s role in promoting joy, peace, and togetherness. Football fans worldwide can look forward to a week of festivities, culminating in a global football party on World Football Day. As FIFA and the UN continue to work hand in hand, the future promises even more opportunities to harness football’s transformative power for the betterment of society.
Conclusion: Football Unites the World
World Football Day is more than just a celebration of a sport; it is a recognition of football’s extraordinary ability to bring people together. As nations observe this day, they are encouraged to adopt policies and programs that promote football and other physical activities. Through educational and public awareness-raising activities, the global community can appreciate the advantages of football for all. The UN and FIFA’s commitment to this cause ensures that football will continue to be a powerful force for unity, peace, and positive change worldwide.
