Mr. Chair,
Excellencies,
Dear colleagues,
Italy is honored to participate in the celebration of World Football Day, recognizing the unique power of sport—and football in particular—to connect people across borders, cultures, and generations.
Italy will contribute to the celebration of the world football day with a special exhibit on the life and legacy of world champion Paolo Rossi. You are all invited to the inauguration on May 28, at 6 pm at the UN Delegates Entrance. We are also glad to have former captain of our National Football Team Gianluigi Buffon delivering some remarks via video message.
We are firmly committed to leveraging sport as a catalyst for diplomacy, peace and sustainable development. In this spirit, Italy proudly co-sponsored United Nations resolutions establishing the International Days of Basketball and Football, as well as the International Day of Fair Play.
In a world marked by increasing instability, football offers unique opportunities to foster dialogue and international cooperation and multilateralism.
Italy will proudly co-host the 2032 UEFA European Championship with Türkiye, following 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, and the 2030 World Cup jointly hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Football is truly a universal language. It allows us not only to speak with everyone but, most importantly, to listen and connect. Happy World Football Day!
