In a landmark decision, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on March 26, 2024, declaring May 25th as World Football Day. This day has been chosen to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament in history, which took place on May 25, 1924, during the Summer Olympic Games held in Paris.
Football, known as soccer in some regions, is the world’s most popular sport, with an estimated 4 billion fans worldwide. The sport’s global significance is highlighted by this decision, which recognizes football’s potential to create a united global experience by empowering communities and transcending our differences.
World Football Day: UN’s decision to honour the game of Football
The resolution encourages all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, particularly the Division for Inclusive Social Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) of the Secretariat, relevant international and regional organizations, as well as other stakeholders, to support the use of sport and football to promote peace, development, the empowerment of women and girls, and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Football, as the most popular global sport, has the unparalleled ability to create spaces and opportunities to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Through its global reach and influence, football can be used to further mobilize resources, inspire change, and raise awareness on the advancement of the goals, both on and off the field.
⚽️The #UNGA proclaimed May 25th as #WorldFootballDay by adopting a resolution during the 80th plenary meeting of the General Assembly in New York.
⚽️The year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament in history, with the representation of… pic.twitter.com/qxawF0eVtr
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 13, 2024
The resolution additionally encourages member states to facilitate the participation of athletes in sporting events and competitions, noting that teams and athletes have the potential to utilize sports for raising public awareness on issues such as climate change and health. It also welcomes Football for the Goals, a United Nations initiative, to provide a platform for the global football community to engage with and advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals.
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