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UNESCO launches the Fit for Life Network Against Racism in a joint event with the Barça Foundation
The Fit for Life Network Against Racism brings together athletes and relevant organizations and stakeholders to combat racism in sport.
Participants at the event highlighted the urgent need to address racism in all its forms and foster greater inclusion and equality within sport and beyond.
The event featured opening speeches from Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona; and Marta Segù, Director of the Barça Foundation.
The Assistant Director-General Gabriela Ramos underlined the importance of collective action, which is at the core of this Network.
Today, we launch the Fit for Life Network Against Racism, a key step to tackle racism in and through sport, through collective action and systemic change. By working together, we can make sport a space where equality, inclusion, and respect are at the core, on and off the game.
At the event, UNESCO and the Barça Foundation announced a partnership to ensure safe and inclusive sport, free from racism and all forms of discrimination and abuse.
Joan Laporta, President of FC Barcelona, reaffirmed the club’s commitment to this cause.
FC Barcelona's foundational values are based on the inclusion of all people, regardless of where they come from. This spirit has been maintained throughout our 125-year history and promoted through actions and strategic alliances with various international organizations, such as UNESCO, with whom we have a relationship that I would dare to call historic. Today, with this event, we aim to strengthen this relationship, reaffirming our commitment to the fight against racism by joining the Fit for Life Network against Racism.
The event featured a panel discussion with three renowned athletes, Liliam Thuram, former French professional footballer, Chatilla Van Grinsven, professional basketball player from the Netherlands, and Aauri Bokesa, Spanish Olympic athlete who shared their experiences and solutions to tackle racism in sport.
Lilian Thuram, reflected on his journey and the broader impact of racism in sport.
When racism occurs in football, people fail to understand what’s truly at stake. Society often ignores the voices of victims. We need to focus on educating young people. I’m grateful to UNESCO and Barça for providing this platform to amplify this crucial message.
Aauri Bokesa and Chatilla van Grinsven stressed the importance of platforms such as the Fit for Life Network against Racism to advance this agenda and scale the impact.
We need to keep the conversation about racism alive and bring it into every space until it’s no longer needed. Platforms like this introduce us to athletes who are truly dedicated, inspiring others to deepen their own commitment.
Partnerships like the one between UNESCO and FC Barcelona are very important for promoting respect and inclusion, and on a personal level, everyone has to do their part.
A clear mission for the future
As part of the broader Fit for Life Global Sport Alliance, the Fit for Life Network Against Racism will focus on creating awareness, promoting research, and driving multi-stakeholder collaboration. It will support training programmes on inclusive practices, develop anti-racism campaigns, and advocate for policy changes to ensure a safer, more inclusive and safe sporting environment.
With 13 founding members, the Network is set to grow and welcome new voices and partners committed to this mission. If you are interest in learning more and would like to join the Network, please contact Ms Giulia Scacchi (g.scacchi@unesco.org) and Ms Fabiana De Freitas-Buroz (f.de-freitas-buroz@unesco.org).
