UN states that football brings people together, transcending borders and cultures

UN states that football fosters unity, peace, and support for global development goals among communities around the world.

The United Nations has characterized football as something beyond a mere game, highlighting its ability to bring together individuals across borders, cultures, and communities.

During the World Football Day event at the Astroturf in Wuse, Abuja, Oluseyi Soremekun, the National Information Officer and Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations Information Centre, emphasized that football fosters teamwork, resilience, and unity.

The event included a football match along with various fitness activities.

Soremekun stated that the program demonstrated efforts to enhance health and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He stated that World Football Day acknowledges the worldwide influence of football and its significance in promoting peace, diplomacy, and international collaboration.

He believes that football also fosters discussions on climate action, education, health, inclusion, and gender equality.

Soremekun emphasized the United Nations’ Football for the Goals initiative, which leverages soccer to advance sustainability, equality, human rights, and climate action.

Quoting UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, he stated that football possesses a powerful voice in raising awareness of the SDGs.

He also disclosed that the UN has recently recognized 16 football legends as Football for the Goals Champions, among them Nigerian football icon Daniel Amokachi.

Soremekun encouraged participants to view football as a means of fostering a healthier and more harmonious society.

The United Nations Information Centre collaborated with The Outsiders Hash House Harriers to organize the event.