UN Commends Pakistan's 'Football for Mental Health' Initiative

Pakistan's innovative 'Football for Mental Health' initiative has garnered high-level international praise at the United Nations, with global leaders commending its use of football to foster mental well-being and social change among young people. The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) presented its success story at the UN's "One World, One Game, One Goal: Football as a Catalyst for Youth Mental Health and Well-being" forum.

PFF President Syed Mohsen Gilani highlighted how the program transforms football into a tool for youth empowerment and community development. The forum, co-organized by the UN in Pakistan, the UN Youth Office, and UNESCO, brought together representatives from Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria, England, and Pakistan to discuss football's role in improving mental health, resilience, and social inclusion.

Gilani shared that the initiative has successfully raised mental health awareness among thousands of children across Pakistan. It has also trained over 300 Youth Mental Health Ambassadors and involved more than 80 current and former Pakistan international footballers. "We believe the responsibility of a football federation goes beyond producing talented players, it is also about developing responsible, healthy and resilient citizens," Gilani stated.

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Using football as a tool for mental health did not just inspire us, it transformed us. 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 UN in Pakistan and the UN Youth Office, the program is a flagship social impact initiative for the PFF. Gilani emphasized its potential for international collaboration, stating, "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."

Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, reaffirmed the Pakistani government's support for sports as tools for healthy lifestyles and youth development. During the event, Pakistan's contribution to football was also recognized through the presentation of the Trionda, the official FIFA World Cup match ball.

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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.