"This is a great match-up. Between us, we have a global audience. It is high time that we joined forces to bring together our two missions to the benefit and the delight of all the world's peoples," he said.

The conference, on the lawn outside the UN building, was attended by FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) president Joseph Blatter and Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as Pele.

A large audience gathered on the lawn, apparently to have a glimpse of the legendary soccer player. Annan said FIFA had agreed to flythe UN flag at all World Cup games, beginning with the Women's World Cup Soccer currently on in Rutherford, New Jersey.

"We only need to think back on last year's World Cup in France to marvel at the glory and the excitement of football, the world's game. And we all look forward to the Women's World Cup right here in New York. I'll be there," he said.

Annan said only football was as universal in scope and participation as the United Nations. In no other human endeavour can one see men and women of all races, nationalities, backgrounds and languages unite as a single force, equal in skill, determination and pursuit of excellence, he said.

"I believe the diversity of football is its greatest virtue and the promotion of such diversity and harmony is the highest goal of the United Nations," Annan said. "That is why I am pleased to note that, just as our work includes an ever-growing number of organisations and groups, so, too, the game of football is being played by greater and greater numbers of people whoonly recently were introduced to it. Indeed, it's no longer a boy's game," he added.

Recalling that he was an avid football player and continued to be an ardent fan of the sport, Annan said "we as an organisation and as a world should work like a football team, tapping many skills, including all sizes and colours and inspiring others through our teamwork and spirit of excellence.""As Secretary General, I might be thought of as captain of the team. More often, however, I feel like the goalie having to make last-second saves, rather than seeing the team follow my lead," Annan said. "We all have to play different roles to achieve common aims. That is why we at the UN have welcomed FIFA's participation in many of our programmes--from racial and gender equality to health, development, education and the rights of children. That is why FIFA has agreed to fly the UN flag at all World Cup games," he added.

Pele, in a grey suit and standing next to Annan, hailed the initiative as a wonderful opportunity to bringdifferent people together. "I think in that way, through the sport, we can have a better world in the future," Pele said.As part of the ceremony to launch the partnership, Pele conducted a soccer clinic with young players from the UN International School, Elmont Soccer Club and the US Youth Soccer Association.

Annan said FIFA had also sent thousands of footballs to the Kosovar refugees, helping to give them, particularly the children, some respite from the misery they have suffered. "I hope FIFA will be able to expand this wonderful programme to children in need all over the world," he said.

--IANS