The India-based organization “Shreeja India” was one of ten grassroots initiatives honored as recipients of the Intercultural Innovation Hub (IIH), a joint initiative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and BMW Group, supported by Accenture.
The award ceremony took place during the 10th UNAOC Global Forum in Cascais, Portugal, under the theme “United in Peace: Restoring Trust, Reshaping the Future – Reflecting on Two Decades of Dialogue for Humanity.” The event brought together prominent figures, political leaders, UN officials including Secretary-General António Guterres, and representatives from civil society, academia, and the private sector, to reflect on the UNAOC’s 20 years of fostering dialogue and promoting global peace.
Shreeja India and its initiative Football and Beyond have been recognized for their impactful work in using the unifying power of football to foster inclusivity and empowerment. This initiative blends sports with education, mental wellness, social awareness, and skills development, creating a holistic approach that supports girls and communities lacking access to essential services such as education, nutrition, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities. Through this work, Football and Beyond contributes to sustainable growth and social cohesion.
Somasree Basu, Program Manager at Shreeja India, highlighted, “Shreeja India’s inclusive approach is empowering underprivileged girls and children through sports in rural India, generating inspiring stories at the grassroots level. The recognition from the Intercultural Innovation Hub strengthens our resolve to connect, collaborate, and contribute to breaking barriers and fostering cohesive communities.”
Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management at BMW AG and Labour Relations Director, said, “The Intercultural Innovation Hub celebrates outstanding initiatives led by exceptional individuals working to bridge intercultural divides in meaningful ways. At BMW Group, we believe that diversity enhances not just our company but also society. Our strong partnership with UNAOC enables us to support initiatives like Shreeja India’s, which are making a real difference in underprivileged communities and contributing to a more inclusive and progressive Indian society.
“We are committed to advancing inclusive, global communities by empowering grassroots initiatives that champion diversity and social cohesion. The Intercultural Innovation Hub showcases innovative projects that directly address these goals, and we are immensely proud of the collaboration between UNAOC and the private sector. Together, we continue to amplify the transformative work of social innovators globally, whose dedication and forward-thinking approaches are driving lasting positive change toward a more united and inclusive world,” said Miguel Ángel Moratinos, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for UNAOC.
Through the Intercultural Innovation Hub, Shreeja India will receive a financial grant, as well as one year of capacity-building and mentorship support from UNAOC, the BMW Group, and Accenture, to help strengthen the “Football and Beyond” project and its contribution towards a more inclusive society. This model of collaboration between the United Nations and the private sector creates a more profound impact, as partners provide their respective expertise to ensure the sustainable growth of each supported project.
Learn more about the project: https://www.shreeja.org/beyond-football
, a flagship initiative of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), in partnership with the BMW Group and supported by Accenture.){kind=link}