The International Esports Federation (IESF) and the UAE ministry of tolerance and coexistence announce a joint collaboration to raise the debate and to promote tolerance and coexistence within esports.
IESF President Vlad Marinescu, and minister for tolerance and coexistence Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, signed an MOU on the 14 of July, 2020, formally establishing the relationship between the IESF and UAE government.
Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic Nahyan, presided over the signing ceremony of the MOU in the ministry’s offices in Abu Dhabi, while Marinescu signed the document remotely in IESF Budapest Office. IESF Vice President HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Shakhbout Al Nahayan, in his capacity as president of Emirates Esports, and IESF board members and representatives of member national federations of IESF attended as witnesses to the proceedings.
IESF and the Ministry agreed to collaborate on a number of initiatives, including the formation of an IESF Global Commission of Tolerance and Coexistence in esports. Sports is very much a unique and powerful vehicle, its reach and breadth enable to bring people together who differ with regard to their nationality, ethnic origins, cultural and political beliefs, into a universal community of common values. Esports and gaming are no different and due to its connectivity has the potential to an even greater impact to promote positive values. The establishment of The Commission will engage in key debates with its mission for promoting peace, tolerance, harmonious coexistence and stronger ties between communities.
Nahyan, said, “It is my hope that by working together, the ministry of tolerance and coexistence and the IESF will create an online culture that recognizes that while we may be connected virtually, we are interacting with fellow human beings. Tolerance and coexistence are the foundations for a peaceful and productive world. A world where diversity is respected, where we embrace our common humanity, where we recognize our interdependence and take action to help others.”
The ministry of tolerance and coexistence in the United Arab Emirates recognizes and embraces diversity in all of its forms and draws on its inspiration from the core values stemming from coexistence and harmony, expressing this all-inclusive ethos, in a variety of engaging ways in all segments and sectors of society.
Marinescu said, “IESF has always worked hard to promote the true spirit of Esports beyond race, gender, religion and cultural barriers. We have a very diverse community with a growing membership of over 70 nations. We are deeply privileged to establish a strong partnership with the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence under the wise leadership of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, together, I have no doubt this collaboration will accomplish its ambitious mission.The IESF Global Commission of Tolerance and Coexistence in Esports will develop a working group that will engage with all stakeholders, athletes, gamers, teams, publishers, parents, schools and governing federations, as part of its consultative process on the many issues and develop a key strategy that will promote the message of tolerance. I wish to emphasize that this is for all the community to be engaged with and not just our existing membership. Please join us as we strive to bring peace and harmony that celebrate our differences. We are all one family and united in Esports.”
The ministry also advocates healthy competition to encourage an environment of positive sportsmanship and acknowledgement, where defeats are regarded as learning platforms for improvement in the keys for tolerance and coexistence, and victories are regarded as avenues for enabling inspiration, humility, leadership and growth.