The United Nations, UN, says football is more than a game. It is a universal language that brings people together across borders, cultures, and communities.
Speaking at the World Football Day event in Wuse, Abuja, UN National Information Officer Oluseyi Soremekun said the sport inspires teamwork, resilience, and a shared sense of purpose. He noted that these values match the mission of the United Nations.
The event featured a football match and fitness activities at the Astro Turf. Soremekun said the programme symbolized both movement and momentum for global development. Movement, he explained, promotes health and well-being. Momentum reflects collective efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
He added that World Football Day recognizes the sport’s global reach and its role in peace, diplomacy, and international cooperation. Football also creates opportunities for collaboration on climate action, education, health, inclusion, and gender equality.
Soremekun highlighted the UN’s Football for the Goals initiative. The platform uses football’s global popularity to advance sustainability, equality, human rights, and climate action.
Quoting UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, he said the UN recognizes the powerful voice football carries and its ability to raise awareness of the SDGs.
He disclosed that the UN recently named 16 football legends as Football for the Goals Champions, including Nigerian icon Daniel Amokachi.
Soremekun urged participants to see every pass, stride, and goal as a commitment to building a more inclusive, healthy, and peaceful world. He said everyone has a role to play, whether on the field or in daily work.
The event was organized by the UN Information Centre in collaboration with The Outsiders Hash House Harriers.
