FIFA and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have signed a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their existing partnership and support forcibly displaced individuals around the world. The long-term agreement aims to utilize the power of football and enhance access to education and other opportunities for those who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict and persecution.
The MoU was signed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, during a ceremony in Geneva, Switzerland. Both leaders expressed their commitment to using football as a means to positively impact global society, aligning with the vision of the FIFA President. With over 110 million people forcibly displaced, the highest number ever recorded, the collaboration between FIFA and UNHCR holds immense significance.
This partnership builds upon the successful collaboration between FIFA and UNHCR over the past four years. In March 2022, they joined forces to raise funds for individuals displaced by the conflict in Ukraine. Moving forward, the organizations will continue to work together on football-related activities and projects that promote social cohesion, education, and youth development. Their focus will be on providing solutions and opportunities through sports, as well as providing support to football players who are in need of international protection.
President Infantino expressed his gratitude to UN High Commissioner Grandi for bringing the two organizations together. He emphasized the importance of this collaboration and highlighted the ability of football to unite people around the world. President Infantino pledged his personal commitment to making a positive impact and bringing smiles to the faces of children and adults alike through the power of the beautiful game. He also acknowledged the FIFA Foundation’s projects, which aim to improve the lives of displaced individuals and enable them to contribute to their new communities.
Mr. Grandi acknowledged football’s global popularity and its ability to transform the lives of displaced people. He stated that football plays a crucial role in fostering inclusion and helping individuals overcome the challenges they face in their new environments. The partnership between FIFA and UNHCR demonstrates solidarity with millions of forcibly displaced individuals and their host communities. The organizations are eager to witness tangible results from this collaboration.
The signing of the MoU comes just days before the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ commences. Throughout the tournament, FIFA and UNHCR will call upon the football community to unite for peace. Team captains will be invited to wear armbands promoting this cause during the Round of 16 matches, ensuring that the message reaches a global audience through various platforms, including pitchside LEDs, stadium big screens, and social media.
Additionally, FIFA and UNHCR will work together to raise awareness on significant international dates, such as World Refugee Day. They will continue to collaborate on joint campaigns and activations, all of which aim to support UNHCR’s life-saving humanitarian efforts and long-term solutions for refugees.
In summary, the partnership between FIFA and UNHCR signifies a profound commitment to helping forcibly displaced individuals and strengthening communities through the power of football. With the FIFA Women’s World Cup just around the corner, the organizations are set to leverage the tournament to promote peace and create awareness on a global scale. This collaboration showcases the profound impact that sports can have in driving positive change and fostering inclusion.
