United Nations, FIFA form Peace Party

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter join forces to preach the gospel for global peace and development through football.

According to FIFA.com in a "joint message welcoming the opening of the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter make an appeal for peace, tolerance and development." Their message is addressed to the whole world as it comes together in Munich to witness the start of the world’s biggest sporting event.

Last January, the FIFA President welcomed Kofi A. Annan to FIFA headquarters for a discussion centred around their shared objectives. The two men talked about how sport in general and football in particular, can play a key role in development all around the world.

Football is a sport that transcends social, cultural and religious divides. Quite simply, football is universal, which is why this unique opportunity to join forces to make the world a better place, must be taken.