Chapter Report
UPF-Mali Celebrates UN World Football Day Despite Restrictions
By UPF Africa
Written by UPF-Africa
Saturday, May 31, 2025
Bamako, Mali— On 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.
Despite the limited time available to prepare for the event, the activity was both impactful and joyful, demonstrating once again that football can be a unifying force, even in challenging circumstances.
