Qatar's Permanent Mission in Geneva Organizes Event on Sport for Peace, Human Rights and Development
Geneva - Media & Communication Dept. - June 23
The Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, in collaboration with the United Nations Office, organized the 2nd edition of the Diplomatic Community Football tournament under the theme "Sport for Peace, Human Rights and Development". The objective of this event was to harness the power of sports to promote shared values of cooperation and solidarity.
Eight teams representing countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Arab Group, Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, North and Central America and the Caribbean and South America participated in the event, along with a team representing the United Nations Office in Geneva.
Parallel activities for children were also organized alongside the football matches.
HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah emphasized in her opening speech on this occasion Qatar's belief that sport is an effective tool for promoting human rights, peace, sustainable development and strengthening social bonds.
If politics divides within closed meetings, sports unites in open fields, Her Excellency added.
The first edition of the tournament, organized on the occasion of Qatar's hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2022, served as a catalyst for making this tournament an annual tradition. The inaugural edition was a tremendous success, generating unparalleled enthusiasm among members of the diplomatic corps in Geneva and yielding fruitful outcomes, Her Excellency noted.
At the end of the tournament, HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah and the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Geneva Tatiana Valovaya presented awards to the winning teams and congratulated the players for their exemplary sportsmanship. Additionally, incentives prizes were awarded to the children who participated in the activities organized alongside the tournament.
The organization of this tournament also aims to highlight the values of football and its connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It underscores the role of football in promoting principles of tolerance, unity in diversity, cooperation, and solidarity. It provides a sense of normalcy, fosters self-confidence, and builds collective spirit.