The United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a draft resolution submitted by Libya to designate May 25 as “International Football Day,” during the Assembly session held on Tuesday.
The Permanent Mission of Libya to the United Nations stated that the resolution submitted was a joint initiative with Bahrain and Tajikistan, noting that the reason for choosing May 25 was because it was the date of the World Olympic Football Championship in 1924, which was the first football tournament with participation from all continents.
The resolution calls on all Member States, United Nations organizations, international and regional organizations, football federations, the private sector and civil society to celebrate this day.
Libya’s envoy to the United Nations, Taher El-Sonni, stressed during his speech before the Assembly the importance of this decision despite the difficult circumstances and crises that the world is going through, as this decision could be a tool through which a state of tolerance and peace can be supported.
El-Sonni pointed out that football is not just a game, but rather a universal language that transcends politics, barriers and borders, due to its cultural and social impact, stressing the need to utilize it to promote health and well-being.
Months prior to the resolution, the Libyan UN mission, along with the missions of Bahrain and Tajikistan, launched and led this initiative, facilitating consultation sessions on the text of the resolution, and formed a core group to mobilize necessary support.
