Munich/Cascais. The India-based organization “Shreeja India” is one of the ten grassroots initiatives, which were honored yesterday as recipient of the Intercultural Innovation Hub (IIH), a joint initiative of the United Nations of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group, implemented with the support of Accenture.
The ceremony was held in the framework of 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 Forum convened prominent figures, political leaders, UN officials including the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, as well as representatives from civil society, academia, and the private sector, to share insights and reflect on the 20 years of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations’ impactful work.
The organization “Shreeja India” and its initiative “Football and Beyond”“Shreeja India” was recognized for its project, Football and Beyond, which leverages the unifying power of football to bridge divides across diverse backgrounds while promoting inclusivity and empowerment. By using football as a development tool, the initiative integrates sports with education, mental wellness, social awareness, and skills development. This holistic approach empowers girls and uplifts communities that lack access to essential services such as basic education, nutrition, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, paving the way for sustainable growth and social cohesion.
“Shreeja India’s inclusive tactic to empower underprivileged girls and children with a sports-based endeavor is producing powerful narratives in the grassroots of rural India. With the recognition of the Intercultural Innovation Hub, we feel more driven to connect, collaborate and contribute towards breaking barriers and building cohesive societies,” said Somasree Basu, Program Manager at Shreeja India.
“With the Intercultural Innovation Hub, we celebrate outstanding initiatives implemented by extraordinary individuals working to bridge intercultural divisions in innovative and impactful ways,” said Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director. “At the BMW Group, we believe that diversity not only enhances our company but is crucial for social unity and global progress. That is why we are deeply thankful for our strong partnership with the UNAOC. This collaboration allows us to support remarkable initiatives like Shreeja India’s work in empowering underprivileged children, making a tangible difference in their communities and contributing to a better and more inclusive 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.
