24 September 2009

September 24, New York – Today at the Clinton Global Initiative, President Clinton, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, ONE Co-founder Bono, Jessica Alba and private sector leaders Cisco, Edelman and Intel joined together to announce support for 1GOAL: Education for All, a new non-profit initiative focused on ensuring that all children receive an education.

The campaign organizers and soccer stars are calling on millions ofsoccer fans worldwide to make education for all children possible. 1GOAL has one purpose: to ensure that the 75 million children out of school in Africa and the world’s poorest countries get access to classrooms, teachers and the future that education provides. 1GOAL calls on soccer fans to sign their names at join1goal.org and tell world leaders that education beats poverty.

“As the hopes of millions of soccer fans around the world turn towards the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, we can join together in hope and action for education for all children,” said Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan, announced as Global Co-Chair and campaign Co-Founder at today’s event. “I support 1GOAL and our shared commitment to fair play for future generations and access to education for all.”

Also world football governing body FIFA supports the 1GOAL campaign because it contributes to leaving a lasting legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. "Football is more than just a game to FIFA. We have a huge responsibility towards society, and we specifically use the power of football to promote positive social change. Education is key for children all around the world, and we are proud to use the global stage provided by football to support the 1GOAL campaign." said Jérôme Valcke, Secretary General of FIFA. “I can’t imagine facing the choice of feeding my family or sending my child to school, or watching a child go to work in the morning instead of going to a classroom,” said Jessica Alba, Honorary US Co-Chair for 1GOAL. “Let’s give all children the education and opportunity they deserve, no matter their circumstances.” Private sector leaders came together to pledge support for the campaign that will dramatically expand its reach globally.  Cisco, Edelman PR and Intel, business leaders from the “Class of 2015” education initiative, committed technical, communications and PR support for the unprecedented nonprofit campaign to engage 30 million supporters worldwide.

“We know that when Business works with the NGO community as well asGovernment, they are much more effective at addressing our most serious societal challenges,” said Richard Edelman, president & CEO, Edelman.  “Edelman is proud to be supporting the important work by the Campaign for Global Education and the 1GOAL campaign to help provide education for every child.”

“The combination of Cisco WebEx and Flip Video camcorders provides a powerful platform for communicating, sharing ideas and collaborating on a global scale to help address the world's most pressing issues,” said Tae Yoo, senior vice president, Corporate Affairs, Cisco.“Cisco is pleased to work alongside private and public sector partners to ensure children everywhere have access to the education that is crucial for their individual success as well as their country’s ability to participate and compete effectively in a global economy."

“At Intel we believe that all students should have access to quality education,” said Shelly Esque, Intel Vice President of Legal and Corporate Affairs. “We are proud to be supporting the 1GOAL campaign through our online marketing channels by engaging our customers, employees and millions of teachers and students around the world to rally for education for all.”

World-famous players are also pitching in for education. Soccer players joining the effort including Rio Ferdinand, Thierry Henry, Robinho, Michael Essien, Aaron Mokoena (South African team captain), Kanu (Nigerian team captain), Nicolas Anelka, Michel Silvestre, David James, Kolo Toure, Javier Zanetti, Ivan Cordoba, Michael Owen and Mia Hamm (captain of the 1999 U.S. women’s world champion team). Retired champions also joining 1GOAL include Marcel Desailly, George Weah, Roger Milla and England football legend Gary Lineker.


“Education can change a child’s life and future, especially for young girls, by giving them an opportunity and opening doors they never thought possible,” said 1999 US Women's World Champion Team Captain and 1GOAL Champion Mia Hamm.  “I know personally that my education prepared me for whatever challenges and opportunities came before me."


In addition to support from soccer players and FIFA, Bob Geldof, Bono and leading nonprofit organizations Global Campaign for Education and the advocacy group ONE have committed their support. For more information and to pledge support to 1GOAL: Education for All, log onto www.join1goal.org and sign your name for those who can’t.