Egypt’s Al Ahly Joins UNICEF’s Global World Football Day Panel to Champion Child Rights Through Football

UNICEF Egypt and Al Ahly Sporting Club took center stage at “Every Play for Every Child,” a high-level event held at UNICEF Headquarters in New York to mark World Football Day. 

The gathering celebrated the growing role of football in promoting children’s rights, development, and well-being globally.

Mohamed Abu Okail, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Al Ahly SC, represented Egypt and the MENA region in the event’s opening panel, “Making a Difference with UNICEF’s Football Club Partners.” He highlighted the renewed UNICEF–Al Ahly partnership, signed in September 2024, which leverages the influence of football to support children across Egypt.

“This collaboration not only inspires children nationwide but also sets a model for impactful partnerships across the MENA region and Africa,” Abu Okail said during the panel.

The event brought together representatives from UNICEF’s global partner clubs—including Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Wrexham A.F.C., and Inter Miami CF—alongside private sector leaders and international football institutions, to explore how the world’s most popular sport can drive meaningful social change.

UNICEF emphasized that partnerships with football clubs go far beyond the pitch, aiming to foster inclusion, resilience, and opportunity for children everywhere. The event reinforced the organization’s commitment to using sport and storytelling as powerful tools for advocacy and impact.