IYC at the United Nations: One World, One Game, One Goal

Project Description

The International Youth Council (IYC) took part in “One World, One Game, One Goal: Football as a Catalyst for Youth Mental Health and Well-Being”, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on 17 July 2026. The event was organised by the United Nations Youth Office as part of its flagship initiative on Youth Mental Health and Well-Being, and took place just ahead of the 2026 Men’s World Cup Final.

IYC was represented by H.E. Maca Sanchez, IYC Country Representative for Argentina and the first Argentinian professional female football player, who took part as a public figure and advocate. She joined young leaders, policymakers, UN entities, governments, civil society, private sector partners, athletes and advocates, including Ms. Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly, football figures Daniel Amokachi and Gilberto Silva, and the UN Young Leaders for the SDGs.

The day-long programme included partner-led Spotlight Sessions, hands-on Mental Health and Well-being Workshops, a Football for Well-being Field on the North Lawn Garden, and a Global Celebration of Football and Youth Mental Health in the General Assembly Hall. It ended with the launch of a public advocacy campaign bringing together leaders and young people worldwide. The event supported a shift from fragmented, individual approaches to a holistic ecosystem model, recognising that mental health is shaped by environments, education, community, digital spaces and opportunities for connection, as well as by healthcare systems.

Football is the world’s most popular sport, which makes it a universal platform for belonging, social connection, emotional resilience and inclusion. IYC, founded at the United Nations in 2007 and holding Special Consultative Status with UN ECOSOC, participated because youth well-being, whether mental, physical or social, underpins sustainable development.

We thank the United Nations Youth Office for organising the event, and H.E. Maca Sanchez for representing IYC.

Duration

Start date : 17.07.2026     

Completed Date : 17.07.2026

Location(s) 

United Nations Headquarters, New York, USA

IYC Focal Area(s)

Improving Physical, Mental and Social Well-being

Leadership of the Project

United Nations Youth Office (event organiser); IYC represented by H.E. Maca Sanchez, IYC Country Representative, Argentina

Strategic Partnerships

United Nations Youth Office

SDG Number

3,5,17

Strategic Goals:

Promote mental health and well-being for young people
Ensure women’s and girls’ full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.
Empower and promote the social inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or status.
Encourage and promote effective civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partners.

Fast Facts:

Challenges

Youth mental health is often addressed through fragmented, individual approaches rather than through the environments young people live in.
Mental health is shaped by education, community, digital spaces and opportunities for connection, as well as by healthcare systems.
Young people, especially young women, need role models and platforms that show how sport can support well-being and leadership.

Solutions

A holistic ecosystem approach to youth mental health that brings together young people, governments, UN entities, civil society and the private sector.
Football and sport used as a universal platform for belonging, social connection, emotional resilience and inclusion.
Workshops, spotlight sessions and a public advocacy campaign that connect leaders and young people worldwide.

Benefits and Impact 

Raised the profile of youth mental health and well-being at the United Nations during a major global football moment.
Gave IYC a voice at the UN through a country representative and women’s football advocate.
Contributed to a global advocacy campaign linking sport, youth mental health and social inclusion.
Go Back