New York, May 26, 2026 – Libya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Taher Al-Sunni, discussed with the President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), Gianni Infantino, a proposal submitted by the State of Libya to adopt “football diplomacy” as an official methodology and tool within the FIFA system, aimed at bringing peoples closer and enhancing global peacebuilding efforts.

This took place during Al-Sunni’s reception of the FIFA President at the Libyan mission headquarters in New York, in response to the Libyan invitation extended to him to participate in the World Football Day celebrations (May 25), organized by Libya in cooperation with several countries, in recognition of the pivotal role of sports in community development.

The meeting addressed prospects for future cooperation between the International Federation and the Libyan Football Federation, as well as ways to provide technical and logistical support to develop the sport in Libya and elevate its level to match national aspirations.

Ambassador Al-Sunni also extended an official invitation to Infantino to visit Libya as soon as possible, to closely inspect efforts in the sports sector and assess the needs for developing sports infrastructure.

The two sides reviewed mechanisms for utilizing football as an effective means for development and building stability, while emphasizing Libya’s aspiration to unify international efforts to support its initiative aimed at transforming the world’s most popular sport into a bridge for diplomatic communication between countries and cultures.

For his part, Al-Sunni expressed his appreciation to Infantino for accepting the invitation, stressing the importance of the strategic partnership with FIFA to support Libya’s ambitions to entrench the values of peace and coexistence through the gateway of sports.

It is noteworthy that the United Nations General Assembly adopted World Football Day in 2024, based on an initiative presented by Libya jointly with Tajikistan and Bahrain, which received historic international sponsorship from more than 170 countries, designating May 25 of each year as a global day to celebrate the world’s most popular sport.

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Libyan mission headquarters in New York

The Libyan mission headquarters in New York refers to the diplomatic mission of Libya to the United Nations, located in Manhattan. This site gained international attention in 2013 when it was briefly occupied by a group of militia members protesting the detention of a Libyan commander. The mission has historically served as a key venue for Libyan diplomacy and political representation during and after the rule of Muammar Gaddafi.

United Nations General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, established in 1945 as a forum for all 193 member states to discuss and coordinate on international issues. It meets annually at the UN headquarters in New York City, where each member has one vote on resolutions covering peace, security, development, and human rights. While its resolutions are non-binding, the Assembly holds significant moral authority and has shaped key global policies, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

World Football Day

World Football Day, celebrated on May 25th, was established by the United Nations in 2024 to recognize the global impact of football as a unifying sport. The date commemorates the anniversary of the first international football match in 1924, which took place during the Paris Olympics. This day aims to promote peace, inclusion, and social development through the universal love of the game.
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Libyan mission headquarters in New York

The Libyan mission headquarters in New York refers to the diplomatic offices of Libya at the United Nations, located in Manhattan. Historically, this mission became a focal point of international attention during the 2011 Libyan civil war when it was taken over by anti-Gaddafi protesters, leading to its recognition by the U.S. as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people. Today, it serves as the diplomatic mission for Libya’s government at the UN.

United Nations General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, established in 1945 under the UN Charter. It serves as the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative body where all 193 member states have equal voting rights to discuss international issues. Its iconic Assembly Hall in New York City has hosted landmark speeches and resolutions, shaping global diplomacy for over seven decades.

World Football Day

World Football Day, celebrated on May 25th, commemorates the historic FIFA World Cup final match between Uruguay and Argentina in 1924. The day was established by the United Nations in 2024 to recognize football’s global cultural and social impact, promoting peace, unity, and healthy lifestyles. It highlights the sport’s ability to bridge divides and foster international cooperation.