Libya calls for leveraging the power of football to promote unity and rapprochement between peoples.

Tripoli, July 21, 2026 (LANA) – Libya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Taher Al-Sunni, emphasized the importance of supporting Libya’s proposal to adopt “football diplomacy” as a tool and mechanism for dialogue and communication between peoples, and to leverage the influence of this world’s most popular sport in fostering rapprochement and achieving health and psychological benefits, especially for children and youth.

This came during Libya’s participation in a UN event entitled “Mental Health and Football,” held in coordination with the UN Youth Office, as part of the activities of the Libyan Mission to the UN through its chairmanship of the UN Group of Friends of Football and its role in adopting the resolution establishing World Football Day on May 25th of each year.

El-Sonni explained in a tweet he posted today, Tuesday, on his “X” account, that Libya emphasized during the event the role that football can play in supporting mental and physical health, particularly among children and youth, noting the importance of harnessing this sport to serve communities and promote well-being.

Al-Sunni stated that Libya is proud to have joined the United Nations Youth Affairs Office and the "Friends of Football Group" in organizing this event, entitled "Football as a Catalyst for Mental Health and the Well-being of Youth," with the participation of more than 3,000 people, over 100 speakers, and more than 40 representatives from the United Nations.

He added that the event was attended by the President of FIFA and a number of organizations and former international players, emphasizing Libya's aspiration to build upon this initiative and harness the power of football to unite everyone.

...(LANA)...