KUWAIT CITY, Nov 7: Kuwait today concluded the first edition of the Football for Humanity initiative – a UN-backed diplomatic sports initiative dedicated this year to children in Palestine.Held under the patronage of H.E. Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the initiative was organized in partnership with the United Nations – represented by UNESCO, WHO, UNICEF, and the Office of the UN Resident coordinator in Kuwait – and supported by the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, 11 participating embassies, and Kuwait’s private sector, in an effort to harness the global popularity of football to advance humanitarian diplomacy and deliver tangible support to children affected by crises.

The event was attended by Minister Plenipotentiary Abdulaziz Saud Al-Jarallah, Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations Affairs; Assistant Foreign Minister for Human Rights Affairs, Ambassador Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Duaij Al-Sabah; and the Ambassadors of Italy, France, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Palestine, Tunisia, Egypt, the United Kingdom, India, and Armenia.Also in attendance were Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Chairperson of Al-Nowair Foundation and Chair of the Initiative’s Organizing Committee, and Sheikh Ahmad Al-Yousef, President of the Kuwait Football Association.

H.E. Minister Plenipotentiary Abdulaziz Saud Al-Jarallah, Assistant Foreign Minister for International Organizations Affairs and Member of the Initiative’s Board of Trustees, said: “The success of Football for Humanity reaffirms Kuwait’s commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and global cooperation in promoting peace and supporting vulnerable communities. We value the partnership of the United Nations and participating embassies in Kuwait and look forward to building on this diplomatic engagement in future editions.”

H.E.Ghada Hatem ElTahir, Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Resident Coordinator in the State of Kuwait, and a member of the initiative’s Board of Trustees, said: “The success of Football for Humanity reflects the strong partnership between Kuwait and the United Nations in advancing humanitarian efforts and lasting development. This first edition showed how sport can bridge divides, promote peace, and inspire solidarity. We look forward to building on this momentum in future editions with broader reach and deeper impact.”

Sheikha intisar Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah,Chairperson of Al-Nowair Non-Profit Foundation,Chair of the Organizing Committee,and member of the initiative’s Board of Trustees,said: “As the first edition of Football for Humanity concludes,we take great pride in what has been achieved. The initiative reflects a unique Kuwaiti, UN, and diplomatic collaboration that opened new horizons for using sport to build peace and promote safe, cohesive communities for children worldwide. what we accomplished was only possible through our partners’ shared belief in equal opportunities for children in crisis-affected communities, and we see this as the beginning of a global movement that puts humanity at the heart of football.”

Sheikh Ahmad al-Yousef Al-Sabah, President of the Kuwait Football Association and member of the Initiative’s Board of Trustees, said: “The Kuwait Football Association is proud to support Football for Humanity, reflecting our belief in sport’s role in building people, strengthening communities, and promoting the values of unity and solidarity. This partnership embodies our mission to use football as a platform for social and humanitarian impact, in line with Kuwait’s standing as a hub for humanitarian action. We also value our close collaboration with FIFA’s Talent Development scheme, which highlights the shared commitment of local and international institutions to the initiative’s

Football for Humanity Initiative unites Global Community to Support Palestinian Children

The “Football for Humanity” initiative, a collaborative effort uniting governments, UN agencies, and the private sector, recently concluded a successful youth football tournament and charity auction in Kuwait to raise funds for Palestinian children affected by conflict. The initiative exemplifies the power of sport to foster empathy, ethics, and human connection, while providing tangible support to those in need.

A Tournament Built on sportsmanship and Unity

The youth tournament brought together over 400 boys and girls aged 8-12 from diverse nationalities,who participated in amiable matches demonstrating solidarity with children in Palestine. The opening and closing ceremonies featured artistic performances celebrating unity through sport, and included an exhibition match by Kuwait’s U-17 women’s team at the Jaber Al-Ahmad Youth Center.

In a unique approach, the matches were self-managed by the children themselves, played without referees, and rewarded with a “green card” for sportsmanship instead of penalties. This innovative format eliminated scores and rankings, reinforcing the initiative’s core values of empathy, ethics, and human connection.

Charity Auction Raises Funds for the Kuwait Red Crescent Society

Football for Humanity has extended its charity football auction until November 20, 2025, allowing global participants more time to bid on rare and exclusive memorabilia. All proceeds will directly benefit Palestinian children through the Kuwait Red Crescent Society.

The auction features a remarkable collection of signed jerseys and footballs, including:

• A signed Kuwait national team jersey from the 1982 World Cup by legend Jassem Yaqoub.
• A Barcelona jersey signed by Spanish legend Andrés iniesta.
• An AC Milan jersey signed by Italy’s World Cup champion Andrea Pirlo.
• A Brazil national team jersey signed by Vinícius Júnior, Alisson Becker, and Raphinha.
• Jerseys from Belgium and Italy.
• Two footballs signed by members of Tunisia’s national team.

Each item is accompanied by an official certificate of authenticity. To participate in the auction, visit https://4mazad.com/products/productss/71.

Strong Partnerships Drive Global Impact

The initiative, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 17 – Partnerships for the Goals, fostered a broad coalition of stakeholders. it was held under the patronage of Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and co-organized in partnership with the United Nations – specifically UNICEF, UNESCO, and WHO.

The event also received support from the embassies of Italy, france, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Palestine, Tunisia, Egypt, the United Kingdom, India, and Armenia, as well as the FIFA Talent Development Program. Kuwait’s private sector also played a vital role, with contributions from Al Hamra Shopping Center, Makhazen, Kout Food Group – Pizza Hut Kuwait, and VO Creative Platform.

Governance and Future Vision

A Board of Trustees, comprised of leaders from Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations, ambassadors from 11 countries, and senior Kuwaiti officials, guides Football for Humanity. This structure ensures the initiative’s diplomatic standing and humanitarian credibility.

Football for Humanity represents a unique alliance between the UN, diplomatic entities, and the world of sports, with Kuwait serving as the host nation for a global movement. The initiative aims to expand in future editions to address a wider range of humanitarian causes, leveraging the unifying power of football for positive change.

Stay updated on the initiative’s progress and follow on Instagram: instagram.com/footballhumanitykw.