Unleashing the Global Game-Changer: VCWC 2024's Quest for Unity and Impact

A series of events leading up to the main Veteran Clubs World Championship (VCWC) 2024 events that will take place in Rwanda in September next year are in progress. These include continental and international tours. In light of VCWC's recent admission to the UN’s Football for the Goals Initiative, a delegation of members of VCWC and the Head of the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Rwanda from the 13th to the 15th of September embarked on an international tour in New Youk. During this period, numerous meetings were conducted to heighten awareness of the upcoming VCWC 2024 and the impactful partnership between, the Government of Rwanda, UN Rwanda, and VCWC.

“As we assemble today to unveil VCWC 2024 in New York, I implore each of you not only to participate wholeheartedly but to become fervent advocates for this transformative initiative that unites the United Nations in Rwanda, The VCWC, and the Government of Rwanda. This initiative bears the promise of advancing the ideals of sustainable development and peacebuilding,” said Josephine Marealle Ulimwengu, reading the speech of the UN Resident Coordinator, Ozonnia Ojielo.

“Our shared commitment transcends the thrill of the game; it extends to the enduring impact we can achieve collectively. It mirrors our unwavering dedication to the Sustainable Development Goals and our belief in the power of sports, with its universal allure, to act as a catalyst for progress” she added.

Engaging Media and Communication Visionaries

The tour commenced with a stimulating interview with UN News at the UN Radio Room in New York. Conducted in Kiswahili, the interview explored the purpose of VCWC, the mission's objectives, and a glimpse into what to expect in 2024. This marks a pivotal step in broadening the event's reach by including Kiswahili-speaking audiences, underscoring VCWC's commitment to inclusivity.

Later in the day, a courtesy meeting was held with the Director of the Department of Global Communication (DGC), Mr. Maher Nasser. The discussions revolved around VCWC's groundbreaking approach in localizing the Football for the Goals Initiative and the tremendous significance of the event, especially being 30 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi. Plans were laid to collaborate in globalizing the initiative through the UN Resident Coordinator System worldwide.

Engaging Permanent Representatives and a Grand Presentation

A pivotal meeting with H.E Amb. Claver Gatete, Rwanda's Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized Rwanda's immense readiness to host VCWC 2024. H.E Gatete pledged to mobilise and engage all African Permanent Representatives to support this extraordinary initiative. Furthermore, he offered to spotlight VCWC 2024 by engaging African Permanent Representatives and explore the possibility of hosting a side event at the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in June 2024, potentially reaching a vast international audience.

“We are here not only to celebrate sportsmanship and excellence but also to extend an open invitation to the international community to join us in the beautiful land of a thousand hills, for the first-ever VCWC Tournament,” said H.E Amb. Claver Gatete, at the VCWC 2024 Presentation Conference, International Tour.

“But this event is not just about the tournament; it signifies so much more. In collaboration with the United Nations and the Veterans Clubs World Championship, we are hosting five forums covering Business, Tourism, Peace, Education, and Health. These forums represent Rwanda's commitment to holistic development and sustainable growth. We believe that by bringing together football legends, leaders, experts, investors, civil society, and visionaries from around the world, we can collectively address the pressing global challenges and unlock new opportunities for shared prosperity.” He added.

On his part, the VCWC Chairperson, Mr Fred Siewe said that “VCWC is a platform where Legends come together to connect, collaborate and contribute to Sustainable development. Based on their experience on and off the pitch, they can work with the private sector, public institutions and development partners in several ways: as ambassadors to support noble causes, just like we are going to be doing with the sustainable development goals; as investors, to Contribute to the growth of projects with strong socio-economic impact; and as entrepreneurs, who are equally open to investments, experts, technical partners and many more.”

Future Collaborations and a Global Narrative

The tour not only showcased the significance of VCWC 2024 but also laid the foundation for future collaborations. Potential partnerships with the Office of the Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Genocide Prevention, Ms Alice Nderitu and the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa to the United Nations Secretary-General is Ms. Cristina Duarte, and the Department of Global Communication. 

The tour came to an end, leaving a palpable excitement and renewed determination to make VCWC 2024 a monumental success, transcending geographical boundaries and uniting nations in the spirit of sport and sustainable development.

Click here to watch speeches in full: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JhAiQ5dVv4&t=6s&ab_channel=OneUNRwanda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZleVXX2lXTc&ab_channel=OneUNRwanda