Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally, has today welcomed The Government of Georgia to its growing United Against Online Abuse coalition.
Georgia’s Minister of Sport, Mr Shalva Gogoladze, formally signed the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) Charter during a meeting with FIA President and UAOA Founder, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, held over the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend. Georgia has joined a united and influential coalition of governments, sporting bodies and technology platforms committed to combating online harassment and hate speech across the sporting world.
Georgia becomes the tenth national government to join the coalition, committing to work in close partnership with the United Against Online Abuse campaign to confront the rise of online hate and its damaging impact on mental health, participation, and the integrity of sport.
During their meeting the President and Minister for Sport discussed the Minister’s commitment to protecting athletes and safe sports as well as the Minister’s ‘Start to Talk’ campaign on the reporting of harassment and abuse. As part of UAOA’s work to shape effective policies and strategies to address online abuse, the campaign looks forward to collaborating with Georgia, exchanging best practices, and strengthening cooperation through evidence sharing at UAOA events and conferences.
Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA and Founder of UAOA, said:
“I am delighted to welcome the Government of Georgia to the United Against Online Abuse coalition. This endorsement underscores Georgia’s leadership in recognising online abuse as a serious threat to the future of sport. Together we are building a strong, global alliance that will deliver meaningful change and make sport a safer space for everyone.”
Mr Shalva Gogoladze, Minister of Sport, Georgia, said:
“Georgia is honoured to stand with our international partners in the fight against online abuse in sport. Signing the United Against Online Abuse Charter reflects our unwavering commitment to promoting safety, respect, and mental wellbeing for all athletes, coaches, officials and fans. We are proud to support this global movement established by the FIA and to play our part in creating a sporting culture that thrives on safety and inclusivity, both on and off the field.”
The FIA’s UAOA campaign is a research-led coalition supported by the FIA Foundation. Founded in 2023 the campaign has witnessed rapid growth in recent months and was recently awarded Peace and Sport’s prestigious Coalition for Peace award in recognition of its world-leading efforts building a formidable campaign driving meaningful change.
To date, the UAOA coalition has welcomed endorsements from the Governments of Greece, France, Slovenia, Albania, Australia, Kenya, Costa Rica, Namibia and Rwanda, alongside organisations such as ARISF who represent one million athletes, sports federations including FIM that has over 50 World Championships, the International Esports Federation, ASETEK SimSports, Peace and Sport Monaco, UNESCO, the Council of Europe, Clark Hill LLP, Arwen.AI and Dublin City University.
ENDS
For media enquiries please contact UAOA Communications Manager Omar Sharif: [email protected]
For more information visit: https://unitedagainstonlineabuse.com
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
