Geneva, June 26 (QNA) - The State of Qatar's Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office in Geneva, in cooperation with the UN Office in Geneva, organized the fifth edition of the Diplomatic Community Football Tournament under the theme "Sport for Peace, Human Rights and Development."

The tournament was sponsored by Qatar's National Human Rights Committee (NHRC), the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), Qatar National Bank (QNB), and the International Center for Sport Security, with the aim of promoting shared values of cooperation and solidarity and highlighting football's role as a tool for dialogue and partnership.

Eight teams representing the regional groups of Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North and Central America and the Caribbean, South America, the Arab Group, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the UN Office in Geneva participated in the tournament.

Team Europe won first place, followed by North and Central America and the Caribbean in second, and Asia-Pacific in third.

HE Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva Dr. Hind Abdulrahman Al Muftah said the tournament reflects the link between sport and multilateral cooperation, providing a platform that brings together representatives of countries and international organizations through values of commitment, teamwork, and mutual respect.

She added that a women's friendly match was organized for the first time, in line with Qatar's resolution on empowering women and girls in and through sport.

At a time when the world is placing increasing emphasis on empowering women and girls in sport, HE NHRC Secretary-General Sultan bin Hassan Al Jamali said, this tournament confirms that sport can build bridges of understanding between peoples and promote the values of equality, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all without discrimination.

He added that it also reflects the role sport can play in supporting peace and development and strengthening mutual respect among different cultures and societies.

He expressed appreciation to Qatar's Permanent Mission in Geneva and the tournament partners for ensuring the continuity of the initiative, noting that the diversity of participating teams reflects sport's ability to unite different cultures and backgrounds through cooperation, friendship, and mutual respect.

QNB's CEO Ghadir Abu Hajleh stressed that QNB recognizes that its role extends beyond providing banking services.

She said they are committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to the sustainable development of the communities in which they operate.

This year's tournament is particularly significant as it focuses on empowering women and girls through sport as a key pillar for inclusion, equal opportunities, and participation in advancing development, she underscored.

She added that they are proud to support this platform, which encourages dialogue, strengthens community ties, and brings people together around shared values.

Through its support, she explained, QNB Group reaffirms its commitment to creating sustainable value for society and contributing to a more connected, inclusive, and equitable world.

The event also featured a special women's sports activity marking one year since the UN Human Rights Council unanimously adopted Resolution 59/17, "Empowering Women and Girls in and through Sport," submitted by Qatar in partnership with Indonesia and Morocco.

At the closing ceremony, HE the Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the UN Office in Geneva honored the winning teams and congratulated the players on their outstanding sportsmanship. (QNA)