From one side of the globe to the other, we’ve been busy these last few weeks on panels, at conferences, exhibition openings and visiting a project in Nepal – all of which have provided significant opportunities to discuss the work of AFDP Global and make important connections.
At the end of March, we were at the SIGA Sport Integrity Forum in New York, where our CEO JF Cecillon was joined by Director of Communications Shimon Cohen and AFDP Global Advisory Board member Amanda Vandervort. We took part in a panel discussion about integrity in sport with a focus on the protection of young players. Discussions were wide-ranging, but the link between integrity and social impact was evident, as was the need for the reform of current systems which are failing to protect young players. We also showcased our vision for positive football-supported activism. Thanks to our audience of sports leaders, opinion makers and others who chose to join us.
The panel discussion at the SIGA Sport Integrity Forum to discuss integrity in sport
Not long after, it was time for a too short stay in Kathmandu and a visit to the Nepal-India border. Outside the Nepalese capital, our CEO JF and CFO Marion Vayson de Pradenne visited an inspirational initiative, with a mission to use football to empower girls in rural communities through education classes and life-skills workshops. The passion and commitment of those we met was a powerful reminder of how football can inspire whole communities.
It was then on to Paris to meet AFDP Global’s founder, HRH Prince Ali, for the launch of ‘Football and the Arab World’ at Institut du Monde Arabe. Together with HRH Prince Ali, our CEO JF and our Chair of Trustees Paul Hijazin were pleased to be part of this important and timely celebration of the role that football plays in Arab societies, not least because of the increasing prominence of initiatives that use football for social change across the region. The opening of this exhibition also provided an opportunity to meet leading figures involved with major forthcoming tournaments and discuss our work and future opportunities.
It’s been a productive few weeks and we look forward to sharing further news about some of the projects and initiatives discussed in the near future.