During his official visit to the United Kingdom, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu engaged with Football for Peace, a global initiative that uses the power of football to promote unity, youth empowerment, and social inclusion. The President’s visit underlined the Maldives’ growing interest in international collaborations that connect tourism, community development, and youth engagement through sports.
President Dr Muizzu was warmly received by notable figures leading the initiative, including Mr. Kashif Siddiqi, Co-Founder of Football for Peace and former professional footballer, and Ms. Shahnaz Gulzar, CEO of Bradford City of Culture 2025. The visit included a briefing on the organisation’s ongoing projects, delivered at the Peace Centre in partnership with the University of Bradford.
The President also toured the football pitches where young participants were engaged in training sessions. He took the opportunity to interact with the youth, recognizing the initiative’s commitment to nurturing leadership skills, teamwork, and positive social values through structured football programmes.
Founded in 2013, Football for Peace operates as an international non-governmental organisation (INGO) supported by the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace. The initiative continues to make a meaningful global impact by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, using the universal language of football to bridge divides and build stronger communities. Through charity matches, training sessions, and educational programmes, it empowers youth and provides platforms for personal growth and conflict resolution.
President Dr Muizzu’s engagement with Football for Peace reflects the Maldives’ broader commitment to forming international partnerships that resonate with its values of peace, development, and community engagement. The interaction also opens the door to future collaborations where the Maldives can incorporate such social programmes into its own community development and youth empowerment initiatives, reinforcing its image as a country that values not only natural beauty but also meaningful social impact.
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