Building Bridges with Sports

On Friday, August 30, 2024, the grounds of Foot Five in Terre Rouge in Mauritius came alive with an unusual diplomatic mission. Instead of suits and laptops, members of various international organizations donned jerseys and cleats for a friendly, yet competitive football tournament organized by the U.S. Embassy in Mauritius. The event brought together teams from the United Nations, European Union, and British High Commission, illustrating that international cooperation extends beyond conference rooms.

The structure was simple yet engaging: two pools of three teams each, with the winners of each pool advancing to the final. The field was a melting pot of the diplomatic community including: the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office, International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Health Organization (WHO), European Union, British High Commission, and U.S. Embassy. Each team showcased not only their football skills but also their teamwork and sportsmanship. Spectators cheered from the sidelines, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and excitement. 

After hours of thrilling matches, H.E. Henry Jardine, U.S. Ambassador, presented the first-place trophy to UN’s Team B, acknowledging their skill and teamwork on the field. Ms. Alia Hirji, the IOM Chief of Mission for Mauritius and Seychelles, accompanied by Ms. Fatuma Sainab Hassan Musa (Officer in Charge, UNDP) presented the second-place trophy to U.S. Embassy’s Team A. This exchange of trophies between nations and international organizations symbolized the true spirit of the event – championing connections and mutual respect through sport. 

Sport can bridge divides and foster understanding between nations and organizations and cultures, demonstrating that in our deeply interconnected, multipolar, and fast-changing world, multilateralism and partnerships are the foundations on which global prosperity and peace will be possible. With only 6 years left to accelerate on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), many of which are severely off-track, we must take every opportunity to deepen and commit to broader and more innovative partnership, ramp up opportunities for everyone, and combat exclusion and injustice to ensure a brighter future for us all - now and in the future. Only together can we take the bold actions that match today’s realities and tomorrow’s threats and opportunities. This is in the interests of every country. 

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Note to Reader: The Summit of the Future will gather together world leaders at the United Nations in New York during 22-23 September to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future.  Find out more here.