The FIFA Foundation, under the chairmanship of Mauricio Macri, met in Doha ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ final. 

Founded in 2018, the FIFA Foundation has firmly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to further leverage the intrinsic values of football. Its diverse programmes, campaigns, and events contribute tangibly to improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in every corner of the globe, with actions in the fields of education, gender equality, health and well-being, and climate action.

“The power of football in society – given its global popularity - is undeniable and its significant role is on display every day around the world, bringing people together, inspiring generations and promoting team spirit,” Executive Chairman of the FIFA Foundation, Mauricio Macri, commented at the meeting. “Football is an engine for social change and plays a crucial part in achieving sustainable development.

“The FIFA Foundation seeks to use the world’s number one sport to benefit those that need it the most and to tackle the most pressing global challenges, as a team,” he continued. “I believe the FIFA World Cup is the ultimate vehicle for such change as it unites countries and provides us with the platform to positively engage with all of our stakeholders who help the FIFA Foundation to achieve its goals in every corner of the globe.”

The FIFA Foundation has been actively engaging with local charities and global NGOs during the tournament.

For example, during the kick-off week of the tournament, the FIFA Foundation supported the Generation Amazing Foundation in the annual Youth Festival, empowering hundreds of youngsters from the participating countries of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with knowledge and tools in the field of sports for development. Opened by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the event also included interventions by Isha Johansen and Sonia Fulford, FIFA Council and FIFA Foundation Board members, telling their stories, as female leaders in the industry, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

The Foundation also collaborated with other local charities such as the Qatar Cancer Society, providing the opportunity for children to be player escorts at a match and inviting cancer survivors and their families to attend select matches, to raise awareness and support for those living with cancer. 

Moreover, the FIFA Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Fundación PUPI, an organisation created by Javier and Paula Zanetti, which supports young people in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The agreement will see the two organisations join forces to harness the power of football to have a positive social impact and address social challenges, particularly in the area of promotion of equal opportunities and the rights of children in the region. 

In addition, to effectively lead meaningful social transformation in an interconnected world, the FIFA Foundation has taken a unique step with the establishment of the FIFA Foundation Advisory Board. This milestone illustrates the commitment to boost a multidisciplinary and innovative approach thanks to the advice of members from a variety of industries, with an outstanding dedication to supporting young people and the planet. Serving a term of four years, the members will also support to build awareness globally of the organisation and its values. 

Composition of the FIFA Foundation Advisory Board: