By Damilare Adeleye, JKNMedia Reporter
IN A HISTORIC move, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, designating May 25 as World Football Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the world’s most beloved sport.
The decision was met with resounding applause from diplomats gathered in the assembly chamber as President Dennis Francis sealed the declaration with a decisive gavel strike as a resolution, co-sponsored by over 160 countries that aims to unite football enthusiasts worldwide in commemorating the sport’s global significance.
The significance of May 25 stems from its historical roots, marking the centennial anniversary of the inaugural international soccer tournament.
This milestone event, held during the 1924 summer Olympic games in Paris, saw teams from diverse regions come together, laying the foundation for the sport’s enduring international appeal.
Libya’s U.N. Ambassador Taher El-Sonni, the driving force behind the resolution, underscored football’s unparalleled influence as more than just a game. Addressing the assembly, El-Sonni emphasized football’s universal appeal, transcending boundaries of nationality, culture, and socio-economic status.
He described football as a unifying force, a universal language spoken and understood across the globe.
The resolution not only celebrates football’s widespread popularity but also acknowledges its far-reaching impact in various spheres. From fostering commerce to promoting peace and diplomacy, football has emerged as a potent catalyst for global cooperation.
Recognizing the pivotal role played by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport’s international governing body, as well as regional and national soccer federations, the resolution highlights the collaborative efforts driving football’s growth and development.
Moreover, the resolution extends an invitation to nations, U.N. bodies, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector to observe World Football Day in accordance with national priorities.
Emphasizing the importance of leveraging football and other sports as instruments for peace, development, and gender empowerment, the resolution calls for widespread support for initiatives promoting the game’s inclusive benefits.
As the world prepares to mark the inaugural World Football Day on May 25, the resolution calls for a collective effort to raise awareness of football’s positive impact through educational and public outreach activities.
With its universal appeal and unifying power, football stands poised to inspire and unite people across the globe on this auspicious occasion.
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