August 30 – The Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The agreement will bolster the AFC’s effectiveness in its social responsibility campaigns, particularly around the IRFC’s commitment to ‘partner for more resilient communities’.
The AFC is joining the IFRC’s ‘One Billion Coalition for Resilience’, a global initiative aimed at helping one billion people to “take active steps to work towards a world where everyone is safer, healthier and can thrive, even in the face of adversity,” said an AFC release.
The MoU builds on the foundations of the partnerships already formed by the AFC Dream Asia Foundation launched in March. The new co-operation will provide a framework for regional collaboration between the AFC, its Member Associations, the IFRC and its National Societies across Asia.
Focus will be on expanding a culture of safety across the region, supporting emergency assistance and disaster response, and the promotion of social inclusion, non-violence and peace through football.
AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John (pictured left) said: “Football continues to serve as a powerful platform to empower the most vulnerable segments of society and unite communities all across the Continent.
“Drawing on the networks of world’s leading organisations, we want to plant the seeds of hope to grow opportunities for the most marginalised people in Asia to live more meaningful lives through the joys of the beautiful game.”
Xavier Castellanos (pictured right), IFRC Regional Director for Asia Pacific, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for two organisations with the biggest reach in the region to foster behaviour change, both on a personal level and in our communities…
“Each year we support 70 million people during emergencies. We commit to safer and more socially inclusive communities in Asia. This partnership will serve to make our communities stronger.”
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