The first-ever United Nations (UN)’s World Football Day was observed across the globe on 25th May 2024 to acknowledge the global reach of football and its impact across various spheres, including commerce, peace, and diplomacy.
- World Football Day recognises football’s unique ability to create spaces for cooperation and connection worldwide.
25th May 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Olympic Football Tournament held in Paris, France. This was the 1st international football tournament in history with the representation of all regions
Significance:
The observance of World Football Day aligns with national priorities while promoting the benefits of football universally through educational and public awareness-raising activities.
Background:
i.On 7th May 2024, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/78/281, proclaiming the 25th May of every year as World Football Day.
- The resolution was initiated by Bahrain, Libya and Tajikistan and was subsequently unanimously adopted by 170 nations at the UNGA.
ii.The resolution recognises “the fundamental role” of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and regional/national soccer federations in promoting football.
Note: It also encourages countries to use football to promote peace, health, unity, and development, and empower women and girls.
Significance of 25 May:
On 25th May 1928, 17th FIFA Congress, held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, decided to create the FIFA World Cup.
Objectives of World Football Day:
- Celebrate football’s universal appeal and power;
- Provide a platform for shared experiences; and
- Drive progress towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Partnership of UN and FIFA:
i.FIFA and the UN have developed a close relationship, working together to harness football’s popularity to promote messages of peace and inclusivity.
ii.Collaborative initiatives of the UN and FIFA:
- FIFA World Cup 2022 (Qatar) and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 (Australia and New Zealand).
iii.UN agencies like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization (WHO), and UN Women used these events to connect with billions of football fans.
Football for the Goals:
Football for the Goals (FFTG), inaugurated in 2022, aims to engage with football stakeholders to harness extensive reach and global impact in advancing sustainability, equality, human rights and climate action, by promoting actions and practices that supports to achieve SDGs.
About Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
Secretary General– Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura
President– Gianni Infantino
Headquarters– Zürich, Switzerland
Established on– 21st May 1904
