FIA JOINS FORCES WITH UNESCO’S FIT FOR LIFE COALITION TO COMBAT RACISM IN SPORT
Fédération Internationale de l’Vehicle (FIA), the governing physique for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally, at this time declares a brand new partnership with UNESCO as a signatory of their Match for Life pledge. This new initiative, devoted to tackling racism throughout the sporting world, will bolster the FIA’s main efforts to deal with on-line abuse in sport by way of its United Towards On-line Abuse (UAOA) marketing campaign.
Formally launched in December 2024 on the 4th UNESCO World Discussion board Towards Racism and Discrimination in Barcelona, the Match for Life Community Towards Racism unites political, sporting, and charitable organisations worldwide—together with La Liga, the Barça Basis, and the RISE community—to fight racism and racial discrimination in sport.
The partnership aligns intently with the core mission of the FIA’s UAOA marketing campaign, reinforcing a collective dedication to inclusivity, security and equality in sport. Aauri Bokesa, Spanish Olympic 400m sprinter, commented on Match for Life and the brand new partnership: “I’m actually excited to hitch the Match for Life Community Towards Racism. This can be a nice alternative to work with UNESCO, different athletes in addition to organisations just like the FIA and their United Towards On-line Abuse marketing campaign to deal with racism in sport and past. As an athlete I consider it is a highly effective platform to drive change and amplify my voice to advertise inclusion, fairness and security in sport.”
As a part of this collaboration, UAOA will contribute its world-leading analysis experience to UNESCO’s worldwide alliance of UN member states, offering priceless insights and data-driven methods to fight racism in sport. The UAOA On-line Abuse in Sport Barometer 2025 report revealed a deepening disaster in sport, as 50% of all abuse directed at athletes and opponents was discovered to be misogynistic or racist, a major improve from 2023.
This partnership presents a singular alternative to develop and implement impactful international insurance policies, drive significant change and foster higher inclusivity throughout the sporting neighborhood.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, UAOA Founder and FIA President stated:
“We’re honoured to accomplice with UNESCO and be a part of forces with their Match for Life Community. This collaboration marks a pivotal second in our shared dedication to fostering inclusivity, respect, and equality in sport and society. As a founding member of this community, we take satisfaction in contributing UAOA’s experience in combating on-line abuse, a vital problem that has far-reaching penalties for people and communities.
By combining our information and sources we consider that the Match for Life Community Towards Racism has the ability to drive actual, significant change. This initiative goes past the boundaries of sport, creating an surroundings the place racism, discrimination, and prejudice are now not tolerated. Collectively, we are able to increase consciousness, promote schooling, and implement concrete actions to dismantle dangerous stereotypes and behaviours.”
Philipp Müller-Wirth, Chief of the UNESCO’s Sport Part stated:
“UNESCO is delighted to have the assist of the United Towards On-line Abuse marketing campaign as we launch the Match for Life Community towards Racism. We sit up for working intently with UAOA over the approaching months and their experience in addressing on-line abuse will play a vital position as we develop efficient methods to fight racism throughout the sporting world.”
The Match for Life Community Towards Racism is a pioneering initiative designed to make use of the transformative energy of sport to handle systemic racism and racial discrimination. The community brings collectively numerous stakeholders, together with NGOs, athletes, and sports activities organisations, to encourage the event of inclusive, equitable and secure sport insurance policies and collaborate on schooling, advocacy, and tangible motion.
The FIA’s ‘United Towards On-line Abuse’ (UAOA) marketing campaign is a research-led coalition devoted to tackling on-line abuse in sport based by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and supported by the FIA Basis. Just lately awarded Peace and Sport’s prestigious Coalition for Peace award, UAOA brings collectively sports activities federations, nationwide governments, regulatory our bodies, and expertise platforms, aiming to foster regulatory and behavioural change to fight the rise of on-line harassment and hate speech.
So far, the UAOA coalition has welcomed endorsements from the Governments of Greece, France, Slovenia, Albania, Australia, Kenya, Costa Rica, Namibia and Rwanda, alongside sport federations and organisations reminiscent of FIM, the Worldwide Esports Federation, ASETEK SimSports, Peace and Sport Monaco, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, Clark Hill LLP, Arwen.AI and DCU College.
For media enquiries please contact UAOA Communications Co-ordinator Omar Sharif: osharif-consultant@fia.com
The Fédération Internationale de l’Vehicle (FIA) is the governing physique for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It’s a non-profit organisation dedicated to driving innovation and championing security, sustainability and equality throughout motor sport and mobility.
Based in 1904, with places of work in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings collectively 245 Member Organisations throughout 5 continents, representing tens of millions of street customers, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces laws for motor sport, together with seven FIA World Championships, to make sure worldwide competitions are secure and honest for all.
