Empowering communities through the transformative power of football, India’s grassroots initiative Shreeja India has earned global recognition as one of ten recipients of the prestigious Intercultural Innovation Hub (IIH) award. Organized jointly by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and BMW Group, with support from Accenture, the award highlights impactful initiatives fostering inclusivity and unity worldwide.
A Celebration of Unity and Innovation
The award ceremony, part of the 10th UNAOC Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal, revolved around the theme “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future.” Leaders across politics, civil society, academia, and the private sector, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, convened to reflect on two decades of UNAOC’s work in bridging cultural divides.
Football as a Catalyst for Change
Shreeja India’s initiative, Football and Beyond, harnesses the universal appeal of football to empower underprivileged girls and bridge divides in rural India. Combining sports with education, mental wellness, social awareness, and skill-building, the program provides a holistic approach to fostering sustainable growth and social cohesion.
“Football and Beyond not only nurtures talent but transforms lives,” said Somasree Basu, Program Manager at Shreeja India. “This recognition fuels our commitment to breaking barriers and building inclusive communities through grassroots efforts.”
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
Acknowledging the honorees, Ilka Horstmeier, Member of BMW AG’s Board of Management, stated, “At the BMW Group, we believe diversity strengthens both our company and society at large. Collaborating with UNAOC allows us to support extraordinary initiatives like Shreeja India, empowering young lives and driving meaningful change.”
Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNAOC High Representative, emphasized the program’s role in fostering global unity: “The Intercultural Innovation Hub is a beacon of hope. It celebrates grassroots leaders creating inclusive communities, offering mentorship and financial support to amplify their impact.”
Global Recognition and Support
Through the IIH program, Shreeja India will receive a financial grant, mentorship, and capacity-building support over the next year. This partnership between the UN and private sector players like BMW and Accenture underscores the power of collaboration in fostering sustainable social impact.
Spotlight on 2024 Awardees
The other recipients of the IIH award represent diverse global initiatives, all championing social change through innovative approaches. Projects range from promoting gender equality in Nigeria to empowering Indigenous communities in Canada. Highlights include:
- Kicken ohne Grenzen (Austria): Leveraging football to empower youth.
- Circus Zambia (Zambia): Using circus arts to drive social change.
- Profonanpe (Peru): Strengthening Indigenous leaders’ climate change capacities.
A Step Toward a United Future
The recognition of Football and Beyond reaffirms the significance of grassroots efforts in creating lasting, inclusive change. By combining local initiatives with global platforms, the Intercultural Innovation Hub amplifies the voices of communities working tirelessly to reshape their futures.
As Shreeja India and other recipients embark on their journey of capacity-building and mentorship, their stories serve as a testament to the power of unity and innovation in transforming lives and fostering a more inclusive world.
