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DUBAI: Football for Humanity, a Kuwaiti UN-backed humanitarian diplomacy initiative, announced the launch of its inaugural edition at a press conference on Wednesday at Al-Hamra Shopping Center in Kuwait City.

Under the patronage of Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, and with the support of nine embassies and four UN bodies — including UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Kuwait — as well as Kuwait’s private sector, the initiative will channel proceeds from a youth football tournament, charity auction, and community activities to provide essential aid to Palestinian children through the Kuwait Red Crescent Society.

Abdulaziz Saud Al-Jarallah, assistant foreign minister for international organizations’ affairs and a member of the initiative’s board of trustees, said: “The ministry of foreign affairs’ patronage of Football for Humanity reflects Kuwait’s role as an international hub for humanitarian action and its steadfast commitment to supporting nations in times of crisis, alleviating human suffering around the world, and maintaining its principled position in support of the brotherly Palestinian people.

“This initiative presents an innovative model of humanitarian diplomacy as a means to promote lasting peace and strengthen international cooperation,” he added. “We also commend the United Nations for supporting this humanitarian initiative and extend our appreciation to the participating embassies for their collaboration in advancing the initiative’s message and supporting children worldwide.”

Ghada Hatem ElTahir, representative of the UN secretary-general and resident coordinator in the State of Kuwait, and a member of the initiative’s board of trustees, said: “On behalf of the United Nations in the State of Kuwait, I am pleased to express our sincere interest in co-organizing the Football for Humanity initiative in partnership with Alnowair. This initiative aligns with the principles of the UN, promoting humanitarian values and global solidarity through youth participation in sport. Together, we aim to amplify Kuwait’s message of peace and humanity — both locally and on the international stage.”

Football for Humanity is guided by a board of trustees comprising leaders from Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UN, ambassadors from nine countries, and senior Kuwaiti officials, ensuring its diplomatic standing and humanitarian credibility. The initiative represents a unique UN-diplomatic-sports alliance, with Kuwait serving as the host nation for a global movement that transforms football’s unifying power into tangible support for children affected by crises. It also lays the foundation for future editions that will expand each year to address broader humanitarian causes.

Sheikha Antiwar Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah, chairperson of Alnowair Non-Profit Foundation, chair of the organizing committee, and member of the initiative’s board of trustees, said: “Today, from Kuwait, we launch Football for Humanity with a clear message, to create a global movement that unites governments, corporations, athletes, and communities by turning the passion for football into hope and opportunity for children, year after year. This initiative is especially meaningful because it is children supporting children, young players using their love of the game to help those whose lives have been upended by crisis.

“We believe in the power of the world’s most popular sport to transcend borders, connect cultures, and inspire compassion,” she said. “From this platform, we extend our gratitude to all our partners for their generous support, and we invite everyone in Kuwait to join us at the youth tournament and cheer for the young players, because every cheer, every presence, and every bid in the charity auction helps ease the suffering of Palestinian children.”

The youth tournament will take place on Nov. 6-7, featuring 32 teams and 256 boys and girls aged 9 to 11. The opening ceremony will be held at Jaber Al-Mubarak Stadium in Sulaibikhat, with family activities and a vibrant retail village surrounding the venue. Attendance for the event is free.

Tarek Sultan, vice chairman of sponsors Agility Logistics, said: “Agility KSCP’s support for Football for Humanity reflects our enduring commitment to community and humanitarian initiatives. We believe the private sector has a vital role to play in supporting communities, both in times of crisis and through long-term investment in youth, education, and public health.

“Through our support for Football for Humanity, we reaffirm our dedication to helping those most in need, working alongside the Kuwait Red Crescent Society, aid agencies, and other Kuwaiti companies.”

The press conference was followed by a media tour of the exclusive football memorabilia on display at Al-Hamra Shopping Center, featuring original items to be auctioned and provided by the embassies of participating countries, directly sourced from their national teams and clubs. The collection features major contributions from Brazil’s and Italy’s national teams, Paris Saint-Germain captain Marquinhos, and Spanish and Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta. Visitors can view the display at Al-Hamra Shopping Center and take part in the online charity auction through Nov. 7.

Mrs. Abrar Abdulaziz Al-Habeeb, general manager of Al-Hamra Real Estate Company and a sponsor of the initiative, said: “At Al-Hamra, we believe that our true success is not measured solely by our architectural or commercial achievements, but by the positive impact we create within our community. Support and empowerment are at the heart of our mission, and we constantly strive to innovate and open new horizons that foster a sustainable, integrated environment where people, especially children, are at the center of everything we do.

“Through our sponsorship of the Football for Humanity initiative, we are putting our social responsibility into action and strengthening a culture of institutional and community solidarity,” she said.

Rawalpindi: Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada hit fighting half-centuries as South Africa took a crucial 71-run lead over Pakistan on day three of the second Test in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

Muthusamy made a career-best 89 not out and Rabada struck his highest score of 71 as the visitors added 169 for the last two wickets.

Veteran Pakistan spinner Asif Afridi ended the innings on 404 at the stroke of tea.
The 38-year-old Asif finished with figures of 6-79 and is the oldest man to take five wickets on a Test debut.

The afternoon session though belonged to South Africa as the World Test champions bid to square the two-match series, after losing the first Test by 93 runs in Lahore.

Muthusamy defied the Pakistan spinners, hitting eight fours to improve on his previous highest of 68 not out against Bangladesh at Chattogram last year.

Muthusamy added an invaluable 71 runs for the ninth wicket with Keshav Maharaj (30) and then increased the lead with a last-wicket stand worth 98.

Rabada smashed four sixes and as many fours, improving on the 47 he made against New Zealand at Christchurch in 2022.

The morning belonged to Asif, who at 38 years and 301 days overtook England’s Charles Marriott as oldest debutant to take five wickets.

Marriott did so against the West Indies at The Oval in 1933 aged 37 years and 332 days.
Like fellow left-armer Maharaj — who took seven wickets for the visitors in Pakistan’s 333 all out — Asif used the dry conditions to maximum effect.

South Africa resumed on 185-4 and added 100 runs in the morning session.

With the turn on the Rawalpindi stadium pitch increasing considerably, Asif dismissed Kyle Verreynne caught behind by wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan for 10 with the fourth ball of the day.

Tristan Stubbs defied Pakistan’s spinners for 256 minutes before a fastish delivery from Asif trapped him leg-before for 76. 

His knock was studded with six fours and a six.

Asif completed his five-wicket haul by trapping Simon Harmer leg-before for two while Noman Ali dismissed Marco Jansen in the same manner for 12.