HCHF and FIFA meet to discuss football’s power to promote unity

Friday 28 May 2021, 17:50
HCHF and FIFA meet to discuss football’s power to promote unity

Secretary General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF) Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam and FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura discussed football’s power to promote human unity during a meeting at FIFA’s headquarters in Zurich.
The meeting focused on the work of both organisations and allowed participants, who included FIFA’s Chief Social Responsibility and Education Officer Joyce Cook, to explore opportunities for collaboration and complimentary initiatives aimed at strengthening peace and unity on a global level.
Speaking about the meeting, Judge Abdelsalam said: “I firmly believe in the power of football to create solidarity and unity among all people and FIFA plays an important role in reinforcing humanitarian values throughout the world”. In addition, he stressed his happiness in FIFA’s commitment to this topic which is very much in line with the goals of the HCHF.
FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said: “FIFA knows that football has a unique power that can bring people together and foster greater unity. We are committed to using the power of football and the platform it provides to bring about positive change in people’s lives.”
The FIFA Secretary General also took the opportunity to explain FIFA’s work in the field of human rights, sustainability and child safeguarding to the HCHF Secretary General. This was followed by a presentation from FIFA’s Chief Social Responsibility and Education Officer Joyce Cook, who highlighted FIFA’s commitment to child safeguarding and protection, as well as the practical steps being taken by FIFA to protect the environment.
Judge Abdelsalam stressed the similar philosophies and missions between the two organisations during the meeting and underlined the opportunities the FIFA World Cup 2022 provides for potential collaboration between the two bodies in the fields of human rights, human fraternity, equality and inclusion.
The HCHF Secretary General also met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who expressed his pleasure in meeting Judge Abdelsalam and his support for the message of human unity which is aligned with the values of FIFA.