This year's “Match Against Poverty” takes on additional importance in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. I am delighted to know that the proceeds of today's game will go to the millions of people there who need our solidarity and assistance. We at the United Nations welcome your solidarity at the country's time of dire need.

I thank the UN Development Programme for organizing this seventh edition of the “Match Against Poverty”. Thank you also to Zidane, Kaká and the St. Benefica All Stars football club. As world- famous athletes, you are giving hope to children, young people and adults who have lost everything. I call on the world of sport and its supporters around the world to continue to help the United Nations in its efforts to help the people of Haiti to recover and rebuild.

I would also like to take this opportunity to call on everyone to remember the victims of recent attacks on sporting events -- most notably in Angola and Pakistan -- in which competitors and fans alike were victims. Such horrendous acts must strengthen our resolve to use sport as a force for peace-building and reconciliation.

This “Match Against Poverty” shows yet again how athletes, the UN family and the world of sport can work together to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and to build a better world. In games such as this, everyone is a winner.