WORLD FOOTBALL DAY – MAY 25 STATEMENT OF THE UNIVERSAL PEACE FEDERATION – AFRICA
By Dr. Paterne Zinsou, Secretary General, UPF Africa - May 25, 2025
On May 7, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 25 as World Football Day (Resolution A/RES/78/281), highlighting the transformative power of this sport in promoting peace, development, and human values. On this occasion, the Universal Peace Federation – Africa (UPF-Africa) welcomes this initiative and fully shares its vision.
Rooted in the ideals of interdependence, mutual prosperity, and universal values, UPF considers football to be much more than a game. It is a living metaphor of humanity’s shared destiny—a tool to promote peace among nations, cultivate ethical leadership, and uphold human dignity.
Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations’ Football for the Goals initiative, and guided by the core principles and vision of UPF's Founders—who affirm that “Through football, we can unite all people”—UPF-Africa champions the use of football as a platform for education, unity, and transformation, and declares the following:
1. The Feet: Pillars of Humanity in Motion
The feet—essential parts of the body in football—become symbols of grounding, humility, and human journey. They represent the connection between the body and the earth. In football, the feet are not tools of violence, but of precision, cooperation, and expression. They serve as instruments of non-verbal dialogue, embodying self-control, fairness, and mutual respect—core values of peace. On the field, feet become instruments of creativity, strategy, and beauty, expressing the will to move forward together with mastery and vision.
Remarkably, football excludes the use of hands—symbols of possession—in favor of fluidity, bodily control, and respect for limits. Only the goalkeeper, within a clearly defined space, is granted this privilege. This universal rule highlights the importance of discipline, respect for roles, and collective responsibility.
2. The Round Ball: Mirror of the Earth and Symbol of Unity and Peace
The spherical shape of the ball reflects the Earth itself—whole, interconnected, and in constant motion. The round ball represents the circularity of life, equality, and the interdependence of all peoples. This circle evokes inclusion and the continuous quest for unity. Just as the Earth rotates on its axis, the ball moves across the field with direction and purpose, reminding us of the power of movement guided by shared goals. It becomes the invisible center of our hopes, dreams, and collective efforts.
3. Football for the SDGs: A Shared Vision for the Future
Indeed, football contributes directly to several SDGs: Good Health and Well-being; Quality Education; Gender Equality; Reduced Inequalities and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
4. Play Soccer Make Peace (PSMP): An Overlooked Moral Framework
UPF-Africa draws inspiration from the powerful teachings of the “Play Soccer Make Peace” (PSMP) initiative, which recognizes within football a set of often overlooked moral values:
Respect for rules and opponents; Fairness and sportsmanship; Discipline as a path to growth and personal development; Collaboration and collective intelligence, the essence of a team’s success; Humility in victory, grace in defeat; Forgiveness in the face of errors; Creativity for a beautiful, inspiring game and collective joy These principles lie not only at the heart of sport but are also essential for peacebuilding and human coexistence.
More than just a game, football becomes a living testimony of humanity’s potential to build peace through universally shared values.
5. In this regard, the Universal Peace Federation – Africa issues a call:
🔸To youth: to engage in value-based football—founded on discipline, respect, cooperation, teamwork, and perseverance.
🔸 To educators, coaches, and sports federations: to promote football education based on ethics, morality, and inner growth.
🔸 To governments and educational institutions: to integrate sport—especially football—into public policies not only to discover talent but also to promote peace, education, health, national cohesion, and sustainable development.
🔸To media and artists: to spread inspiring messages and tell stories of reconciliation, social advancement, and unity made possible through football.
🔸To religious and spiritual leaders: to encourage the inner and heavenly values exemplified by football—such as humility, discipline, altruism, self-overcoming, and brotherhood beyond beliefs.
🔸 To women and girls: to step onto the field and raise their voices through the round ball—for peace, equality, and social justice.
🔸 And to professional players: to become living models of peace, ethics, noble behavior, true love, stable family life, and selfless service to others—using their influence to build a more just and united world. Let them become ambassadors of peace in their neighborhoods, society, and entire community.
Guided by the vision of “One Family Under God” advocated by the Mother of Peace, Dr. Hak Ja Han, also known as “Holy Mother Han,” UPF-Africa, together with its Affiliated Associations, reaffirms its commitment to respond to the UN’s call and to celebrate World Football Day in a meaningful way.
Beyond stadiums—and beyond matches—let us build a culture of peace, and may every goal scored remind us of the ultimate goal we share: one united human family under God, living in dignity, cooperation, and love. Thank you for your kind attention.
For the Universal Peace Federation – Africa
Dr. Paterne Zinsou
Secretary General, UPF Africa
