Bahrain marks World Football Day, highlights sport’s role in peace and development

New York, May 24 (BNA): The Permanent Mission of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations held an event at the UN headquarters in New York to mark the first anniversary of World Football Day, in cooperation with the permanent missions of Libya and Tajikistan.

The event was attended by Dennis Francis, President of the UN General Assembly; and Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

Ambassador Jamal Faris Al Ruwaie, Permanent Representative of Bahrain to the UN in New York, highlighted Bahrain’s strong support for the sports sector under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the backing of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, thr Crown Prince and Prime Minister. He noted Bahrain’s belief in sport as a means to promote human values, encourage dialogue, and support the Sustainable Development Goals.

Ambassador Al Ruwaie also commended the dedicated efforts of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the SCYS, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, for their ongoing support in developing sports, encouraging young talent, and promoting sport as a lifestyle.

He noted that the unanimous adoption of a General Assembly resolution last year declaring May 25 as World Football Day, initiated by Bahrain and several other countries, reflected global recognition of football’s role in advancing peace and sustainable development.

Ambassador Al Ruwaie said Bahrain would continue working collectively to translate the values of football, its ability to unite people across cultures, borders, and generations, into initiatives that promote solidarity and cooperation for a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Ambassador Al Ruwaie also took part in a UNICEF event titled Every Play for Every Child, held in collaboration with the Group Friends of Football, which Bahrain co-chairs, as part of World Football Day celebrations.