The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has been honoured with the prestigious Coalition for Peace Award at the 2024 Peace and Sport Forum, held in Monaco. The award recognises the FIA’s leading United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) campaign and was presented to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem whose leadership in combatting online abuse in sport was celebrated.

The forum provided an important opportunity for the FIA President to strengthen the UAOA coalition, formalise key partnerships, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the role of sport in fostering peace.

Coalition for Peace Award

During the Peace and Sport Award Ceremony, the FIA was announced as the winner of the Coalition for Peace Award in recognition of its pioneering efforts to combat online abuse in sport. This award celebrates UAOA’s achievements in uniting sports federations, national governments, and technology platforms to address this critical issue.

After accepting the award, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said:

“I am incredibly proud of the rapid progress that United Against Online Abuse has made since I founded the campaign just two years ago. This prestigious award recognises the significant collaborative efforts already undertaken by the coalition to effectively research and address the harmful impact of online abuse that is adversely affecting the entire sporting landscape”

The UAOA campaign, launched in 2022, has rapidly become a leading force in addressing online harassment in sports. It has brought together 27 international sports federations, governments, and NGOs, published 10 academic studies, and launched a free educational module with global reach. This award signifies a new phase of development for the initiative, as it aims to expand its coalition and impact.

Leader’s Vision

During the 2024 Peace and Sport Forum, the FIA President participated in the Leaders’ Vision session, moderated by Champion for Peace Paula Radcliffe. The session provided a platform for the President to share his vision for harnessing sport as a catalyst for unity, inclusion, and positive change.

Highlighting the successes of the UAOA campaign, he emphasised its achievements in successfully uniting 27 international organisations to combat online abuse and foster safer online environments for all. 

The President reiterated the FIA’s commitment to accessibility and diversity and called for collective action across sports, governments, and regulators to tackle challenges like online abuse, noting, “When we speak with one voice, we are more powerful. Together, we can create real change.” 

Meeting with H.S.H. Crown Prince Albert II of Monaco

Alongside the forum, President Mohammed Ben Sulayem also met with H.S.H. Crown Prince Albert II of Monaco.

During their productive meeting they discussed the FIA’s commitment to leveraging sport as a tool for positive change. His Serene Highness, a longstanding advocate for peace through sport, commended the FIA’s efforts and the success of the UAOA campaign.

Peace Walk

Ahead of the awards, Champions for Peace, athletes, and advocates of Peace & Sport gathered together for a Peace Walk. Led by H.S.H. Prince Albert II alongside FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, and Peace & Sport founder Joël Bouzou, it symbolised solidarity and commitment to promoting dialogue and social inclusion through sport.

The 14th annual Peace Walk is a powerful reminder of the unifying role sport can play in society uniting individuals who share a vision of peace, unity and equality.

ARISF Joins the UAOA Coalition 

The UAOA campaign also welcomed a significant new addition to the coalition as the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF) formally joined the coalition.

ARISF, representing 39 international sporting federations, signed the UAOA Charter, expanding the coalition’s global reach across multiple sporting disciplines. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and ARISF President Raffaele Chiulli formalised the partnership at a signing ceremony during the Peace and Sport Forum. 

Speaking after the charter signing, FIA President and UAOA Founder Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “This major signing represents a landmark moment in our mission to combat online abuse. ARISF’s commitment is a powerful endorsement of the United Against Online Abuse campaign and its goals. Together, we will work towards actionable change, ensuring sport remains a positive, inclusive, and respectful space for everyone involved.”  

Looking Ahead

The United Against Online Abuse coalition remains steadfast in its mission to eradicate online hate, with key initiatives on the horizon, including the release of the Sports Journalist Barometer on December 11. This report will highlight the impact of online abuse on media professionals and detail further the coalition’s next steps in the fight against online harassment.

The FIA’s active participation at the Peace and Sport Forum 2024 underscores its leadership in using sport as a force for good, fostering peace and inclusion both on and off the field. 

For more details about the UAOA campaign, visit www.unitedagainstonlineabuse.com