“On World NGO (NGO) Day, we celebrate the prominent role of civil society in ensuring respect for fundamental human rights that no one is left behind. Marking this day is more important than ever as we live in difficult times for NGOs and civil society around the world and the space for human rights defenders is getting smaller. “
The words come from the former High Representative of the European Union and Vice President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, on the occasion of World NGO Day 2018. Today, on the tenth anniversary of the first World NGO Day, this message is still important,
The day aims to celebrate the success of more than ten million NGOs worldwide and to give many small grassroots organizations the recognition they deserve.
In 2010, the 12 European founding members could never have imagined that the day would be celebrated just a decade later in almost 100 countries on six continents, from New Zealand and Australia to North and South America.
Key Facts:
First celebrated on 27 February 2010.
Founding members: Belarus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, Norway, and Sweden.
Objective: To pay tribute to the NGOs and volunteers who give their time to help NGOs make a difference.
Remember: To recognize the hard work NGOs are doing to bring about positive change in the world and the inspiring results they are achieving.
Collaboration: Creating a greater symbiosis between NGOs and the public and private sectors, as well as finding new ways for businesses and public authorities to support NGOs.
For years, FIFA, the governing body of world football, has been increasingly involved in social projects around the world and has supported NGOs that use football as an instrument for social change and improve the lives of disadvantaged young people everywhere.
A total of 93 such organizations across all continents (CAF: 36; CONMEBOL: 17; UEFA: 16; AFC: 15; Concacaf: 9) benefited from FIFA funding last year, with a total budget of more than $ 3.1 million was provided. The range of supported social initiatives is huge and includes programs in the areas of education, health, peacekeeping, refugees, leadership and gender equality.
“Education is a tool that can balance competitive opportunities and play hand in hand with football to build bridges and contribute to global progress,” said Mauricio Macri, Executive Chairman of the FIFA Foundation.
“Football has the advantage of reaching millions of children and teaching them values and tools that will benefit them throughout their lives, including their careers, such as the importance of teamwork, engagement, and respect for others Football can address complex issues such as violence, substance abuse, and obesity, “he added.
