On July 17, 2026, a high-level event titled “One World, One Game, One Goal: Football as a Tool for Promoting Mental Health and Youth Well-Being” was held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York at the initiative of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Tajikistan to the United Nations, in cooperation with the United Nations Office of Youth Affairs.
The event featured as keynote speakers First Vice-President of the Football Federation of Tajikistan Khurshed Mirzo, President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Gianni Infantino, and Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations for Youth Affairs Felipe Paullier.
Speaking at the event, Khurshed Mirzo noted that football is not only a sport but also a universal language that unites people regardless of borders, cultures, and languages. According to him, football plays an important role in developing team spirit, resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of belonging among young people.
He also emphasized that Tajikistan pays special attention to using football as a tool for strengthening mental health, promoting social inclusion, and supporting community development. With the support of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the country is consistently implementing measures aimed at developing football infrastructure, grassroots, youth, and women’s football, as well as creating new opportunities for young people.
Continuing his remarks, Khurshed Mirzo highlighted that the organization of this event represents a continuation of Tajikistan’s efforts to utilize the potential of football for promoting peace, sustainable development, and social integration. He also recalled the initiative of the President of the Football Federation of Tajikistan and President of the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA), Rustam Emomali, to establish World Football Day. At the initiative of Tajikistan, the UN General Assembly officially proclaimed May 25 as World Football Day, recognizing the important role of football in strengthening unity, international cooperation, and sustainable development.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, in his speech, emphasized the unifying power of football, which brings together people from different countries, cultures, and generations. He also highlighted the significant role of the sport in promoting inclusiveness, education, and positive social transformation. He stated that FIFA will continue to use the potential of football to support youth development and create new opportunities worldwide.
Felipe Paullier, for his part, emphasized the importance of investing in youth mental health and creating safe and inclusive environments. According to him, sport, particularly football, serves as an effective tool for strengthening social connections, building resilience, and expanding opportunities for young people.
The event was held ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match and brought together representatives of UN Member States, United Nations agencies, young leaders, policymakers, civil society representatives, private sector representatives, and the sports community to discuss the role of football in promoting mental health, youth well-being, social inclusion, and cohesion.
As part of the event, a video presentation of the “Pass the Ball” campaign was also presented, prepared jointly by the Football Federation of Tajikistan and UNICEF in Tajikistan. The campaign aims to raise public awareness about the importance of children’s and youth mental health through the opportunities provided by football.
At the conclusion of the event, it was once again emphasized that cooperation between the United Nations, FIFA, Member States, and development partners enables the effective use of sport’s potential to strengthen mental health, enhance youth well-being, and build inclusive, sustainable, and cohesive societies.
