NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 21 – At the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends of Football hosted by the Permanent Representation of Bahrain, Italy, which strongly supported the United Nations Resolution establishing World Football Day and which co-sponsored it , expressed his belief in football’s vital contribution to promoting inclusive sustainable development, reconciliation and social inclusion.
Italy will continue to support these principles and enhance the transformative role of sport in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, said the Italian Permanent Representative Maurizio Massari, ensuring full commitment to work towards the first edition of the Day on 25 May.
100 years since the first international tournament in Paris
World Football Day celebrates the 100th anniversary of the first international football tournament in history with representation from all countries which took place on 25 May 1924 during the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. It was established last May byGeneral assembly amidst the applause of the diplomats present in the chamber. The resolution recognizes “the global reach of football and its impact in various fields, including trade, peace and diplomacy, and states that football “creates a space for cooperation”. It also recognizes “the fundamental role” of football’s international governing body, the Fifaand the important task of regional and national football federations, as well as relevant associations, in promoting the game.
Not just football, other sports too
The document encourages UN countries to adopt policies and programs to promote, with football, other sports and physical activity in general. The resolution “calls” on all nations, United Nations bodies, international organizations, academia, civil society and the private sector to observe World Football Day in line with national priorities “and to spread the full benefits of football, also through educational activities and public awareness activities”. (@OnuItalia)
