FIFA Qatar Launches $50 Million Legacy Fund for Global Social Impact

In a significant move to extend the impact of the FIFA World Cup 2022, FIFA, in collaboration with Qatar, has launched a remarkable $50 million FIFA World Cup 2022 Legacy Fund. This initiative aims to create transformative social programs that will benefit communities around the globe. By partnering with esteemed organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the Legacy Fund seeks to address pressing global issues that go beyond the realm of football.

The Legacy Fund was announced during a high-profile virtual event that featured FIFA President Gianni Infantino alongside leaders from WHO, WTO, and UNHCR. The initiative is structured around four key pillars: Refugees, Public Health, Education, and Football Development. Each of these pillars is designed to tackle specific challenges faced by vulnerable communities worldwide.

Under the Refugees pillar, the fund will work through UNHCR to enhance access to essential services, improve social inclusion, and promote self-sufficiency for displaced individuals. This is crucial as millions of people around the world are currently facing displacement due to conflict and other crises.

In the realm of Public Health, the fund will collaborate with WHO on initiatives like “Beat the Heat,” which aims to mitigate health risks associated with extreme heat and climate-related hazards. This is particularly important as climate change continues to pose significant threats to public health globally.

Education is another vital area of focus. In partnership with WTO, FIFA will support the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy Fund, which empowers women entrepreneurs by providing them with digital tools. This initiative recognizes the importance of women in driving economic growth and innovation.

Lastly, the Football Development pillar will see the Aspire Academy and FIFA's Talent Development Scheme, led by renowned football figure Arsène Wenger, scouting and nurturing young talent in developing countries. This effort aims to ensure that the next generation of football stars has the opportunity to shine, regardless of their background.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, “This Legacy Fund is proof of the lasting impact of the FIFA World Cup. It addresses pressing global challenges while leveraging football’s power to unite and inspire.” H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, Secretary General of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “The World Cup was more than 28 days of football. This initiative seeks to tackle critical issues, creating meaningful change both regionally and globally.”

UNHCR's Filippo Grandi praised the fund as a lifeline for displaced communities, while WHO's Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WTO's Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlighted its potential to enhance health and empower women entrepreneurs, respectively. The fund will be implemented in partnership with Qatar's Supreme Committee, ensuring a global reach for this historic initiative.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 Legacy Fund represents a significant step towards addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by communities worldwide. By leveraging the global platform of football, this initiative not only aims to create lasting change but also inspires hope and unity among people from all walks of life. As the world continues to grapple with various social issues, such initiatives remind us of the power of collaboration and the potential for sports to drive positive change.