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June 7, 2006
FIFA World Cup 2006: United Nations and FIFA join forces for peace and development
In a joint message welcoming the opening of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter made an appeal for peace, tolerance and development. Their message is addressed to the whole world as it comes together in Munich to witness the start of the world's biggest sporting event.
MESSAGE WELCOMING THE OPENING OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP June 2006
Football is a global language. It can bridge social, cultural and religious divides. It enhances personal development and growth, teaches us teamwork and fair play, builds self-esteem and opens doors to new opportunities. This, in turn, can contribute to the well-being of whole communities and countries.
That is why the United Nations is using football as a tool in our work to reach the Millennium Development Goals - the set of powerful, people-centred objectives adopted by all countries as a blueprint for building a better world in the 21st century.
And it is why the United Nations is turning to football in our efforts to heal the emotional wounds of war among young people in refugee camps, and in countries recovering from armed conflict.
At the World Summit last year, all of the world's Governments declared that "sports can foster peace and development, and can contribute to an atmosphere of tolerance and understanding".
Over the next few weeks, as billions of people worldwide focus on the FIFA World Cup, we appeal to players and fans everywhere to support to us in our mission. Let us harness the magic of football in our quest for development and peace.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:48 PM | Link to this Post
