ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's football manufacturing industry received international recognition as the official FIFA World Cup 2026 match ball, TRIONDA, proudly manufactured in Pakistan, was showcased during a special United Nations event highlighting the role of sports in youth mental health and global unity.
According to a statement posted on X account of Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN, Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Program, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, represented Pakistan at the United Nations headquarters during the event titled, "One World, One Game, One Goal: Football as a Catalyst for Youth Mental Health and Well-Being," organized by the UN Youth Office in collaboration with FIFA.
Addressing the ceremony, Khan presented TRIONDA, the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026, emphasizing Pakistan's longstanding contribution to world football through its internationally acclaimed sports manufacturing industry.
"It is an honor to present TRIONDA, the official match ball being used at the FIFA World Cup 2026, proudly manufactured in Pakistan," he said.
Khan said that the football represents more than sporting excellence, describing it as a symbol of Pakistani craftsmanship, opportunity, and the power of sports to unite people across cultures and borders.
The event focused on promoting football as a tool for youth empowerment, mental health awareness, inclusion, and international cooperation, bringing together representatives from the United Nations, FIFA, and member states.
Meanwhile, Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young people and strengthening their role in global policymaking with the launch of the PIVOT (Pakistan Initiative for Vision, Opportunity and Transformation) program during the youth diaspora gathering, "From Connection to Contribution: Pakistani Youth Diaspora Connect," jointly organized by the Prime Minister's Youth Program and the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations.
Welcoming participants, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, underscored the importance of connecting Pakistani youth with the work of the United Nations and ensuring their voices are represented in international decision-making.
He said, “The Pakistani Mission attaches special importance to engaging young people in global processes that will shape their future.”
Highlighting the success of Pakistan's UN Youth Delegate Program, the ambassador noted that Pakistani youth representatives are actively participating in the ECOSOC Youth Forum and other United Nations meetings, enabling the perspectives of Pakistan's young generation to contribute to discussions on sustainable development, technology, climate action, education, peace and social inclusion.
Addressing the gathering as keynote speaker, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan officially launched the PIVOT initiative, describing it as a platform designed to strengthen partnerships with the Pakistani youth diaspora around the world.
He said, “PIVOT is not about charity but about partnership, encouraging overseas Pakistani youth to move beyond nostalgia and contribute meaningfully to Pakistan's future.”
Explaining the initiative's vision, Khan said that PIVOT is built around four guiding principles, viz-a-viz "Explore, Envision, Educate and Empower", aimed at helping young Pakistanis discover their potential, broaden their aspirations, enhance their knowledge, and develop the confidence to lead positive change.
He said the initiative seeks to connect talented Pakistani youth across the globe with opportunities for innovation, leadership, entrepreneurship and national development while strengthening collaboration between the diaspora and Pakistan.
