FIFA Launches $50 Million Legacy Fund for Global Social Programs.

Doha: FIFA has announced the launch of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund, introduced in November 2022, which involves an investment of $50 million in various social programs in collaboration with Qatar and three global organizations: the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. According to Qatar News Agency, the initiative was unveiled and formalized during an online meeting attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, HE Secretary-General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) Hassan Al Thawadi, WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. The objective of the fund and the partnership is to help FIFA deliver results beyond the pitch and support international organizations in driving positive social and developmental impacts globally. The Legacy Fund aims to address key priorities such as refugees, occupational healt h, and education. In collaboration with UNHCR, it will support programs to empower communities and promote resilience and self-sufficiency for vulnerable populations, enhancing access to basic services and improving social inclusion. In terms of public health and occupational safety, the fund will support initiatives that build on the role of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 in promoting health and well-being. FIFA will collaborate with WHO on the Beat the Heat initiative, which aims to protect high-risk individuals from extreme heat and related hazards in the context of climate change. For football development, the Aspire Academy and the FIFA Talent Development Scheme will work together to identify promising young talents in remote areas of developing countries, offering them opportunities to showcase their abilities. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the Legacy Fund as a landmark project that enhances the sustainability impact of the World Cup. He thanked the UN Refugee Agency, WHO, and WTO for the ir cooperation in this historic initiative. UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi highlighted the power of sport as a channel of hope and empowerment for marginalized communities, stating that the fund will extend the World Cup legacy to millions displaced by conflict and persecution, providing life-saving assistance and long-term opportunities. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed the importance of collaboration between sport and health sectors to create safe environments for all involved in mega sports events. He emphasized WHO's commitment to partnering with FIFA and Qatar in building the World Cup's health legacy. WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala noted the collaboration between WTO and FIFA, underscoring that the initiative would enhance capacity for women entrepreneurs through the WTO's Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund, enabling access to new opportunities and global value chains.