The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has appointed the four-time Olympic champion and long-distance runner, Sir Mo Farah CBE, as its first ever global Goodwill Ambassador.
The announcement was made in Geneva at the 114th Session of the IOM Council, which includes all of IOM’s Governing Bodies, and representatives of its 175 member states.
IOM was established in 1951. It is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration and is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. IOM joined the United Nations system as a related organization in 2016.
Former Olympic Champion, Farah, 40, retired from running in September after a long and celebrated career.
However, in 2022 he came out to reveal to the world that he had been trafficked as a child from Somalia to the UK.In his statement,Farah said “No child should ever go through what I did; victims of child trafficking are just children. They deserve to be children. They deserve to play and to be kids,”.“Becoming a global Goodwill Ambassador for IOM gives me a chance to help people, people like me, and make changes. To help people know we can all make a difference in our lives.”
Farah intends to utilize his new appointment and position as IOM’s Goodwill Ambassador to create awareness of issues affecting people in different spheres of life including protections and human trafficking, as well as pursue for continous development of sport with the inclusion of women and girls.
“Migration is so important for all of us, including me. I was able to take the opportunity sport offered me to overcome my experiences as a young boy and show that no matter what we look like or what we sound like, we can achieve and overcome great things,” he said.
IOM Director General Amy Pope said, “IOM is honoured to have Sir Mo Farah as our inaugural global Goodwill Ambassador. A champion on and off the track, and a survivor of human trafficking, he brings true dedication, commitment and drive to IOM’s work, helping millions of people on the move and inspiring us all.”