Pakistan highlighted the role of football in promoting youth mental health, social inclusion and global unity during a joint United Nations and FIFA event in New York, with officials also showcasing the country’s contribution as the manufacturer of the official FIFA World Cup 2026 match ball.
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According to Pakistan’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan represented the country at the event titled “One World, One Game, One Goal: Football as a Catalyst for Youth Mental Health and Well-being.”
The programme was jointly organised by the UN Youth Office and FIFA and focused on the positive impact of sport, particularly football, in supporting young people’s mental well-being, strengthening social cohesion and encouraging international cooperation.
During the event, Rana Mashhood emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to youth development and the promotion of sports as a tool for empowering young people. He stressed the importance of creating opportunities that encourage healthy lifestyles, teamwork and positive engagement among youth.
Pakistan’s Permanent Mission said the country’s role in producing the official football for the FIFA World Cup 2026 reflects its contribution to bringing nations together through the universal appeal of sport.
In a statement shared on social media, the mission said Pakistan is using the power of sports to connect people around the world and promote values of unity, friendship and cooperation.
The discussion also explored how football can help address mental health challenges faced by young people by fostering inclusion, resilience and community participation.
Officials noted that international collaboration through sports can create meaningful opportunities for youth while promoting peace and understanding across cultures.
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Pakistan reaffirmed its support for global initiatives that use sports as a platform for youth empowerment and sustainable development, while highlighting its long-standing contribution to the international sporting community through the production of world-class footballs used in major global tournaments.