Sport Safety and Security Training and Advanced Education Programme for Asian nations

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), UNITAR and its International Training Centres for Authorities and Leaders (CIFAL Global Network) announced the launch of the UNITAR-certified Sport Safety and Security Training and Advanced Education Programme, designed specifically for professionals from Asian football federations, leagues, and clubs. The programme was launched during an online event attended by over 60 safety and security professionals from Asian football stakeholders, alongside senior representatives from the United Nations and the ICSS. The programme aims to enhance the expertise, processes, and resources of safety and security professionals across the region. Participants will gain access to an international network of peers, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing to address emerging challenges effectively.
The training programme comprises 13 interlinked courses, each averaging 15 hours, and is delivered entirely online to accommodate participants’ schedules and pacing.
Participants can enrol in individual courses or complete the entire programme to earn a higher-level certification and internationally recognised academic credits.
Certified by UNITAR – the United Nations Institute for Training and Research – and delivered through its CIFAL Global Network and the ICSS, the programme meets the highest training standards, equipping participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills.
Commenting on the roll out of the programme, ICSS CEO Massimiliano Montanari, said: “The programme represents both a training opportunity and a way to empower the community of safety and security professionals who daily work to safeguard football competitions in Asia.”
Julio Andrade, Associate Director, CIFAL Global Network, UNITAR, emphasised that after home and school, sport is the main third area of development for minors: “In this area people develop physically, socially and psychologically.
For this reason, the world of sport, particularly football, has a great responsibility in terms of contributing to the promotion of the SDGs and leading the way in ensuring that sport is played in safe and sustainable environments,”
Shin Man Gil, AFC Deputy General Secretary (Competition and Football Events), pointed out that “the Confederation is duty-bound to ensure that safety and security remains at the forefront of the AFC’s competitions and events, in order to safeguard the Asian football community. This landmark programme has been designed not only to address the stadium and security needs and priorities of Asian football but also enables us to take proactive measures to refine our risk management strategies and protocols.”