“Football Is the Greatest Unifier” -Isha Johansen Speaks at MRU

In a momentous step towards promoting peace and unity in the Mano River Union (MRU) sub-region, FIFA Council Member, Madam Isha Johansen, has spearheaded a high-powered FIFA Delegation to the Republic of Liberia and the Republic of Sierra Leone. The visit is part of the FIFA/Mano River Union Football for Peace Initiative Project, an undertaking generously supported by the FIFA foundation.

Upon her arrival on the 13th of October 2023 at the Liberia International Airport, Madam Isha Johansen was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Maria G. Harrison, the Secretary-General of the Mano River Union, as well as other influential stakeholders within the football community in the sub-region. The excitement was palpable as people gathered to witness the commencement of this ground-breaking initiative.

**PHOTO:** *MRU Boss ,Ambassador Maria G. Harrison, Paramount Madam Isha Johansen, and the Deputy of Sport for Liberia.*

The Football for Peace Initiative, also dubbed the Peace Park Initiative, has been crafted with the vision of fostering peace and solidarity among neighboring countries in the sub-region, namely Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia, and Ivory Coast using football as a tool for sustainable peace. These countries, with intertwined histories and shared experiences, will greatly benefit from this project, as it aims to strengthen ties and forge stronger bonds of friendship among them.

***PHOTO: FIFA El Hadji Diop, FIFA Eric Harrison Chiefdom Speaker***

Madam Isha Johansen, a respected member of the FIFA Council and a celebrated football administrator icon, emphasized the significance of the MRU football for Peace Initiative, reiterating that “football is more than just 90 minutes on the pitch, it has the power to bring all people together and it is the great Unifier ”. The initiative aims to harness this unifying power of football by creating a space for peace and harmony to flourish. Madam Johansen further stressed the importance of supporting the initiative, emphasizing that it will also lay the foundation for grassroots football development and education.

PHOTO: FIFA Eric Harrison, FIFA Mariana Banus, FIFA Isha *Joha****nsen,*** Minister
Ms Kenyeh Ballay, Ambassador Harrison

The response from the people has been overwhelmingly positive, with open arms and enthusiastic support for this initiative by community leaders and government stakeholders.

As the FIFA Delegation embarks on this significant journey, the world watches with great anticipation. The Football for Peace Initiative carries the hopes and aspirations of the region.