Secretary General Ramdin Highlights the Americas’ Role in Hosting Global Soccer Competition as a Moment for Unity and Inclusion

Press Release

Secretary General Ramdin Highlights the Americas' Role in Hosting Global Soccer Competition as a Moment for Unity and Inclusion

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert R. Ramdin, today highlighted the significance of three OAS member states - Canada, Mexico and the United States- currently hosting one of the world's most important sporting events, noting that this global moment offers the Americas an opportunity to project unity, diversity, inclusion and peaceful coexistence.

Secretary General Ramdin emphasized that, as communities across the hemisphere and around the world come together through soccer, sport can serve as one of the most powerful expressions of dialogue, inclusion and respect among peoples.

"Sport has an extraordinary capacity to bring people together. Soccer reminds us that competition can be lived with respect, that differences can meet on common ground, and that collective joy can become a force for peace, dialogue and understanding among societies," Secretary General Ramdin said.

The Secretary General called on governments, institutions, athletes, fans, communities and young people across the Americas and around the world to celebrate this global sporting moment as an opportunity to reaffirm a shared commitment to peace, tolerance, non-discrimination, respect for diversity and unity among nations.

Secretary General Ramdin underscored that major sporting events should be safe, inclusive and respectful spaces, where every person can participate and celebrate without distinction based on nationality, origin, gender, language, social condition, belief or sporting preference.

"The values that make soccer universal - teamwork, respect for the rules, mutual recognition and the dignity of every player - are the same values that strengthen democratic societies and bring nations closer together," he added.

The Secretary General noted that the hosting of this competition in the Americas reflects the region's diversity, hospitality and shared capacity to bring people together across borders. He encouraged all those participating in and celebrating the event to do so in a spirit of respect, responsibility and unity.

Reference: E-069/26