FIFA, UNICEF kick off joint campaign for children and peace

New Delhi, May 17: FIFA and UNICEF have joined hands to promote children's cause and world peace during the next month's World Cup in Germany under the banner ''Unite for Children, Unite for Peace''.

The joint campaign, which kicked off yesterday, would spotlight football's potential in promoting peace and tolerance at international and national levels as well as locally, within communities and between individuals.

''FIFA selected UNICEF to be the official goodwill cause of the 2006 FIFA World Cup based on the longstanding alliance of our two organisations and our common goals of fighting for the rights of children,'' FIFA President Joseph S Blatter said in a release.

''FIFA is pleased to be working with UNICEF to carry the message that sport -- and particularly football -- is a peace-building exercise and one that can contribute to making the world a better place,'' he added.

The campaign includes public service announcements by celebrities, a website and video profiles of children.

''The FIFA World Cup is not only a great sporting event, but a powerful opportunity to share messages about the profound and positive difference sport can make in the lives of children,'' UNICEF Executive Director Ann M Veneman said in the release.

UNI