Pak football gets UN recognition

PFF’s innovative mental health programme receives international praise

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan's pioneering Football for Mental Health initiative received high-level international recognition at the United Nations (UN), with global leaders applauding the Pakistan Football Federation's innovative use of football to promote mental health awareness, empower young people and drive positive social change.

Representing Pakistan at the UN's prestigious "One World, One Game, One Goal: Football as a Catalyst for Youth Mental Health and Well-being" forum, Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani showcased the country's success story, earning widespread appreciation for transforming football into a powerful tool for youth well-being and community development.

The high-level event, jointly organised by the United Nations in Pakistan, the UN Youth Office and UNESCO, brought together government representatives, football administrators, athletes and youth advocates from Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria, England and Pakistan to discuss how football can be harnessed to improve mental health, resilience, social inclusion and youth empowerment.

Addressing the forum, Gilani shared Pakistan's experience of implementing the Football for Mental Health initiative, highlighting how the programme has successfully used the game's universal appeal to create awareness about mental health and inspire positive change across communities.

"Using football as a tool for mental health did not just inspire us—it transformed us," Gilani said. "We have reached thousands of children across Pakistan with the message of mental health, trained more than 300 Youth Mental Health Ambassadors, and engaged over 80 current and former Pakistan international footballers in this campaign. We believe the responsibility of a football federation goes beyond producing talented players—it is also about developing responsible, healthy and resilient citizens." Launched in partnership with the United Nations in Pakistan and the UN Youth Office, the initiative has emerged as one of the Pakistan Football Federation's flagship social impact programmes, demonstrating how football can extend beyond the pitch to deliver meaningful and measurable social change.

Gilani said the programme's greatest achievement was not only its success in Pakistan but also its potential to inspire international collaboration. "What excites me is not only what we have achieved but what we can accomplish together. Pakistan has demonstrated that football can create real social impact, and we remain committed to expanding that impact through global partnerships," he said.

Representing the Government of Pakistan, Prime Minister's Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting football and sport as effective tools for healthy lifestyles, positive youth development and community engagement. During the event, he also highlighted Pakistan's contribution to world football by presenting the Trionda, the official FIFA World Cup match ball manufactured in Pakistan.

Pakistan's delegation also included Pakistan Women's National Futsal Team player Sibal Fawad Tariq, reflecting the growing role of athletes as ambassadors for mental health awareness and youth engagement.