World Cup Diplomacy Summit 2026 at United Nations Headquarters in New York
4–5 June 2026 | United Nations Headquarters, New York
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the World Cup Diplomacy Summit 2026 will convene diplomats, policymakers, sports stakeholders, private sector leaders, academics and experts to explore the role of sport in advancing diplomacy, sustainable development and international cooperation.

Hosted at United Nations Headquarters in New York, the Summit will provide a platform for high-level dialogue on the diplomatic, social, technological and economic dimensions of mega sporting events.
Download the Programme Overview

The World Cup Diplomacy Summit 2026 – A Global Dialogue is a high-level international convening organized by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

The Summit aims to foster cross-sector dialogue on how football and sport can contribute to:

  • diplomacy and international cooperation;
  • sustainable development and community legacy;
  • innovation and technology;
  • governance and responsible partnerships; and
  • inclusive growth and global collaboration.

Through plenary discussions, keynote interventions and interactive working groups, participants will examine emerging opportunities and challenges shaping the future of sport diplomacy.

Key Themes

Football and Global Diplomacy

Exploring the role of sport in strengthening international dialogue, peacebuilding and global engagement.

Sustainable Infrastructure and Community Legacy

Examining the long-term social and economic impact of mega sporting events on cities and communities.

Artificial Intelligence and Fan Engagement

Discussing the evolving role of AI, technology and digital innovation across the sports ecosystem.

Governance, Partnerships and Innovation

Addressing responsible governance models, cross-sector collaboration and sustainable sport innovation.

Summit Programme

Day 1 – Thursday, 4 June 2026 arrow

Strategic Dialogue and High-Level Discussions

The opening day will feature:

  • Welcome remarks
  • Strategic vision discussions
  • Keynote interventions
  • Plenary sessions
  • Networking opportunities
  • Evening reception and dinner
Day 2 – Friday, 5 June 2026 arrow

Interactive Working Groups and White Paper Drafting

Participants will engage in:

  • Interactive thematic working groups
  • Collaborative policy discussions
  • Stakeholder dialogue sessions
  • Live drafting sessions for the Sport Diplomacy White Paper

Sport Diplomacy White Paper

Developed following the World Cup Diplomacy Summit 2026, convened by UNITAR at United Nations Headquarters in New York on 4–5 June 2026, this White Paper explores how sport can serve as a platform for diplomacy, dialogue and international cooperation.

The publication consolidates insights from diplomats, international organizations, sport governing bodies, clubs, athletes, academics, technology partners and civil society. It presents a practical, non-binding framework focused on sport diplomacy; legacy and community inclusion; sport, culture and entertainment; and artificial intelligence, data and fan engagement. It also outlines proposed actions and stakeholder roles to help translate sport’s global reach into measurable and inclusive outcomes aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Summit contributes to discussions linked to:

  • SDG 8 — Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • SDG 9 — Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production
  • SDG 16 — Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals

Venue

United Nations Headquarters

405 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017
United States

Partners

Contact

For media inquiries, and event-related information, please contact:

📧 diplomacy@unitar.org

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