COP26: FIFA’s Isha Johansen delivers Keynote Address on behalf of FIFA President at the UNFCCC-COP26 in Glasgow

3rd November 2021 | Vertex Media

FIFA Council Member and CAF Executive Committee Member, Isha Johansen delivers a Keynote Address at the ongoing COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland on Wednesday 3rd November, 2021.
Madam Johansen speaks on the topic ‘SPORTS FOR CLIMATE ACTION – ON THE RACE TO ZERO’ as she represented the FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the UNFCCC – COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino delivery a video address at COP26

Speaking to the delegates via video address, the FIFA President Gianni Infantino joins the call for action as world leaders gather at the UN Climate Change Conference. “I am proud to announce that today that – based on our long experience with climate action in football – FIFA has developed a comprehensive climate strategy and is committed to investing substantial resources that will allow FIFA and football to reach the ambitious and necessary objectives of the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action Framework.”

Mr. Infantino expresses delights for being represented by FIFA Council Member Isha Johansen as Keynote Speaker on FIFA’s Climate Change Strategy.

Keynote Address by Isha Johansen at the UNFCCC-COP26

The former SLFA Boss, took the world stage to speak on behalf of the world’s football governing body (FIFA) in a monumental fashion as she underscores the need to protect the environment. She started off by giving personal accounts of the effects of climate change, citing the 2017 Mudslide in Freetown which killed over one thousand people, and houses submerged.

Madam Johansen recalls the kids who used to play football in that community, who later died in that tragic event, which she says are the results of “corruption, failure to protect our forest reserves and the mountains” in that area.

Madam Johansen talks about FIFA’s Climate Action strategy and the FIFA 2020 – 2023 Vision, and FIFA’s commitment to ensure zero emissions by 2040.

“FIFA is proud to be the first sporting institution to join the UNFCCC. …We are all players on this big stage. We are committed to make the next FIFA tournament a fully carbon free…

“We, as inhabitants of this planet, must all make this our priority,” added FIFA Council member Isha Johansen in addressing the Sports for Climate Action − On the Race to Zero session at COP26. “Football also has the power to radically shift mindsets on climate change and mainstream climate action. We have a huge, attentive audience and it is our duty to amplify these key messages.

“We will help educate fans on climate change and encourage them to play their part in protecting the planet and the beautiful game. We have a moral, urgent duty to accelerate our action. Our commitment to protecting our climate remains unwavering.”
Isha Johansen

Isha Johansen’s address at the UNFCCC – COP26 is historic, she being the first Sierra Leonean to have represented the President of FIFA at a global event of such magnitude, with a powerful speech delivered.

By Ibrahim Sorious Samura