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July 17 at UN Headquarters: Sports Heal the World
On July 17, on the eve of the FIFA World Cup Final, the United Nations Office for Youth will host a themed event day titled “Football for Mental Health” under the banner of "One World, One Game, One Goal" at UN Headquarters in New York. As an official partner of the United Nations Office for Youth, Global Youth Philanthropy co-organizes the “Art for Mental Health” Youth Art Exhibition together with Newtone Consulting and AAAAH Culture. We are now recruiting participants worldwide to take part in this global platform, with three roles open for application: curators, artists, and international jury panel members. The event will draw attendance from UN officials, national political leaders, international athletes, and global youth leaders. This time, we want to extend an invitation to you—to be among those present!
A Big Day at UN Headquarters, on the Eve of the World Cup Final
On 17 July 2026, just ahead of the Men's World Cup Final, the United Nations Youth Office will host a global advocacy event at UN Headquarters in New York titled "One World, One Game, One Goal." Together with UN Member States' Friends of Football, the day brings young leaders, changemakers, policymakers, UN entities, governments, civil society, private sector partners, athletes and advocates together to celebrate football and sport as powerful drivers of youth mental health and well-being.
Across the UN compound, the day unfolds in several venues at once — here's the full schedule :
Among the organizations listed as supporting this UN Headquarters event is Global Youth Philanthropy, standing alongside partners such as the FIFA Master Alumni Network, Grand Challenges Canada, Laureus USA and Movember.
Global Youth Philanthropy Presents: Art for Mental Health
As an official partner of the day's programme, Global Youth Philanthropy, together with Newtone Consulting and AAAAH Culture, will curate and present a youth art exhibition themed "Sport × Mental Health" on site at UN Headquarters on July 17.
The exhibition is designed to turn mental health from an abstract concept into something visitors can walk toward and truly see — echoing the three pillars of the UN's youth mental health framework: Care, Connection, and Community. Every young artist's work becomes a starting point for being seen.
The project is now open for global recruitment across three roles:
Why Participate?
You might be wondering: why this exhibition, and why now?
• A real UN stage: This isn't a simulated exhibition — it will be physically presented inside UN Headquarters in New York, seen first-hand by UN officials, government leaders, international athletes and global youth leaders. Curators, artists and jurors alike will stand on a stage few ever get to.
• A window to be seen by the world: Your curatorial concept, artwork, or jury perspective will be documented and shared through official UN channels, promotional materials and the exhibition catalogue — a real credential you can put on your résumé, your portfolio, or your next application.
• A historic moment in time: July 17 falls on the eve of the 2026 Men's World Cup Final, when the world's attention is already on sport. Participating now means your voice becomes part of a genuinely global conversation.
• A cause with real warmth: Mental health is often discussed only in the abstract. This exhibition uses the language of art and sport to make "being seen" something concrete and felt — a meaningful contribution, not just a line on a CV.
• A community worth meeting: Harvard art faculty, UN system professionals, international artists, youth leaders — this project is, in itself, a high-quality opportunity to connect.
If any of this resonates, read on to find the role that's right for you
Role 1: Curator Recruitment
On July 17, at UN Headquarters in New York, a real exhibition on "Sport × Mental Health" will be conceived, built and presented — by you. You'll be guided throughout by mentors from the Harvard art faculty.
This is a genuine opportunity to stand on the UN Headquarters stage — face to face with UN officials, government leaders, international athletes and global youth leaders. Your curatorial concept will be seen by the world through official UN channels.
Who should apply?
Whether your strength is art curation, a love of sport, or a focus on mental health — if you want to tell a story of healing through an exhibition, we welcome your proposal.
What you'll get:
• Full mentorship from Harvard art faculty, from concept to design to on-site presentation
• A real curatorial opportunity inside UN Headquarters
• An official Curatorial Certificate issued by the organizers
• Flexibility to participate online or in person
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
Scan the QR code on the poster below to inquire and apply
Role 2: Open Call for Young Artists Worldwide
Your work can be seen by the world — and maybe even change it.
This open call invites young artists from around the world to submit flat-media works (painting, photography, illustration, digital art) created around the theme "Sport × Mental Health." Selected works will be exhibited live inside UN Headquarters, in front of government and UN leadership.
What you'll get:
• A public exhibition opportunity at UN Headquarters in New York
• An official international exhibition participation certificate from the organizers
• Exposure to government and UN leadership audiences
Submission requirements:
• Open to all nationalities; no restriction on country of origin
• Up to 1–3 works per artist (each with title, year, medium, dimensions)
• A 150–300 word description per work, plus 1–3 images (JPG/PNG)
• A theme response of up to 200 words, touching on: Mental Health · Belonging · Connection · Community · Hope
Key dates:
• Submission opens: June 17 (Tue)
• Submission deadline: June 30, 2026
Scan the QR code on the poster below for details and to submit your work.
Role 3: International Jury Member Recruitment
Your expertise won't just be put to use in judging — it will help define the voice of the next generation of young artists.
As a jury member, you'll work alongside professionals from international organizations, including the UN, and the broader social-impact field, to review submissions from young artists worldwide and help advance youth mental health and artistic practice.
Seven benefits of joining:
• Official Jury Member certification
• Your name and bio featured on the official website and promotional materials
• Special acknowledgment at the exhibition and event
• Invitation to UN Headquarters exchange activities
• Connections with international artists, youth leaders and industry representatives
• An official Certificate of Jury Service
• Priority access to future international project opportunities
Application materials:
• A personal CV
• A 200–300 word personal mission statement (covering your background in the arts, mental health advocacy, social impact work, and your vision for joining this project)
Application deadline: June 30, 2026
Submit to:
Discover the Next Generation of Young Artists, Together
Whether you're a curator, an artist, or a professional in mental health or the arts — on July 17, the stage at UN Headquarters is open to you.
Let sports heal the world. Let your voice and creativity be seen ✨
Organizers and partners:
United Nations Youth Office (host)
Global Youth Philanthropy (official partner)
Newtone Consulting · AAAAH Culture (co-organizer)
Scan any of the poster QR codes above to inquire, or email vvweiyutian@aaaahculture.com / sihan@aaaahculture.com
