UPF Africa Celebrates International Day of Football

On Sunday, May 25, 2025, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Africa hosted a lively and meaningful celebration for International Football Day at the Peace Embassy in Cotonou, Benin. The event brought together members of the community, leaders, and guests in a spirit of joy, unity, and purpose.

Led by UPF Africa Secretary General Dr. Zinsou Paterne, the afternoon kicked off with warm opening remarks from Dr. Adama Doumbia, UPF Africa President. The gathering then turned its attention to the significance of the day, with a reading of the United Nations declaration on International Football Day, followed by a short video message from UPF Africa. Dr. Paterne offered a clear and heartfelt explanation about the deeper meaning behind the event—how football, beyond being a global sport, is a powerful tool for building peace and connection across communities.

Participants also took part in an engaging awareness session. Dr. Paterne led the exchange, encouraging everyone to reflect on how sport can break down barriers and bring people together. As part of the fun, a raffle was held and several lucky winners walked away with T-shirts.

But the real highlight was the symbolic… Read More.

UPF Nigeria Celebrates UN World Football Day with Call for Peace through Sport

To mark the first official UN World Football Day, UPF Nigeria convened a special event at the Peace Embassy in Abuja, focusing on the power of football to build peace, unity, and shared identity across all sectors of society.

The gathering began with an opening prayer, followed by warm remarks from Dr. George Ikpot, Secretary General of UPF Nigeria. He welcomed Ambassadors for Peace in attendance and led the day’s proceedings. A brief video presentation introduced the background and global significance of World Football Day.

Presentation of the UN Resolution

Ambassador Aliyu Idris introduced the UN General Assembly Resolution A/RES/78/281, adopted on May 7, 2024, which officially designates May 25 as World Football Day. The resolution highlights football’s vital role in fostering peace, development, mutual understanding, and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)… Read More.

UPF-Mali Celebrates UN World Football Day Despite Restrictions

n Sunday, May 25, 2025, in Bamako, the Universal Peace Federation of Mali (UPF-Mali), along with its student youth section, successfully organized a commemoration of the UN World Football Day. Although current socio-political conditions in the country prohibit public gatherings, the event took place modestly within the UNICEF residential community.

A friendly football match was held between university students and local youth from the neighborhood. Around 50 participants took part in the match, which ended in a 1–1 draw. At the conclusion of the game, the UN resolution establishing World Football Day was read to the spectators, emphasizing the symbolic and practical role football can play in raising awareness about peace and unity… Read More.

Liberia Celebrates International Football Day with Youth-Centered Peace Initiative

On May 23, 2025, the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) Liberia Chapter commemorated International Football Day with a vibrant educational event held at the Dya-Wulu Cooperative Learning Center. The program brought together students, educators, and national leaders to emphasize the unifying power of football and its role in peacebuilding.

The event began with an inspiring reading of the poem “Crown of Glory” by student Joy N. Flomo, setting a reflective tone for the celebration. This was followed by the official reading of the International Football Day Declaration and Resolution by student Antoinette D. Kenneth, highlighting the importance of sports in fostering peace, development, and solidarity among youth across cultural and national divides.

An interactive session with students provided a platform for engaging discussions around the significance of the day. The students asked questions and gained deeper insights into the concept of peace, the historical relevance of football in diplomacy, and the influential role of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Holy Mother and co-founder of UPF, in the global peace movement. As a symbolic gesture of peace education, a copy of “Mother of Peace”, Dr. Moon’s memoir, was donated to the school… Read More.

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