LIMA, Peru – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has initiated a strategic partnership with the premier Spanish football league to foster social cohesion and promote healthy lifestyles among migrant and host community youth in Peru. This partnership was highlighted during Director General Amy Pope’s recent visit to the country, marking a significant step towards enhancing community integration.
“Integrating migrants in Peru transcends humanitarian efforts; it presents an opportunity to cultivate stronger, more unified societies,” stated Director General Pope. “Sports, especially soccer, bridge cultural gaps and create environments where young people—both migrants and Peruvians—can develop teamwork and leadership skills while forming lasting connections.”
This initiative, backed by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), enhances the ongoing success of the El Balón No Tiene Fronteras (Soccer Has No Borders) program, which has positively impacted over 1,600 children and youth in Peru since its launch in 2019, focusing on social inclusion and community strengthening.
Through soccer clinics, leadership workshops, and community-building activities, coaches from the Spanish league will collaborate directly with local students and leaders to instill core values like respect, sportsmanship, and solidarity. IOM is working closely with the national ministry of education to ensure the sustainability and widespread implementation of this initiative in public schools throughout Lima, particularly those serving a large population of migrant students.
During her visit, Director General Pope met with key government officials, including President Dina Boluarte and Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzén, and participated in signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the ministry of foreign affairs. This agreement aims to enhance national development efforts through programs that support migrants, Peruvians living abroad, and those returning home.
Additionally, Director General Pope engaged with donors, private sector representatives, and UN partners while visiting the Central Orientation and Assistance Point (PAO) in southern Lima, a site supported by IOM where over 7,000 migrants have accessed crucial services such as documentation assistance, primary health care, and psychosocial support since its establishment in August 2024.
