UN Refugee Agency partners with LIV Golf for its first-ever partnership in golf

GENEVA – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, today announced its first-ever golf partnership in a three-year agreement with LIV Golf to deliver innovative sport-for-protection programmes for refugees and internally displaced people and their host communities.

Through this partnership, LIV Golf has committed $10 million to increase access to sport and education for up to 1 million forcibly displaced people in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, as well as introduce golf and play-based activities focused on improving the quality of life for those who are most at risk.

“UNHCR believes strongly in the power of sport. We have seen first-hand that it can provide displaced children and youth with a sense of purpose and inspiration at a time of great personal upheaval,” said Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR’s Senior Advisor and Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. "Sports bridge communities and foster team spirit, well-being, and community cohesion, especially for people who have been forced to flee their homes and their host communities. We are excited to announce the launch of this partnership with LIV Golf, which aims to make a significant positive impact on these communities. By creating opportunities, fostering friendships, and establishing career pathways, we hope to help improve their lives.”

“We’re proud to partner with the UN Refugee Agency to make a positive impact in the world through sport,” said LIV Golf CEO and Commissioner Greg Norman. “LIV Golf’s ‘Potential Unleashed’ strategy is utilizing the game of golf as a force for positive change, and we are honoured to be the first professional golf organization to work hand-in-hand with UNHCR to help deliver its meaningful programming and initiatives.”

Sport for protection projects help foster social inclusion and cohesion, create safe spaces, and improve the well-being and health of refugees and host communities. Activities from this partnership with LIV Golf will take place in community centres, schools, camps and sports clubs, making sport accessible to people of all ages, genders and abilities.

“Our players, our teams and our league are dedicated to making the game of golf more inclusive and leveraging our wonderful sport to uplift individuals and communities while expanding their educational outcomes,” added Norman. “This is a significant step to broadening that reach and impact across the world.”

Contacts

• LIV Golf: [email protected] 
• UNHCR in Geneva: [email protected]
• UNHCR in Dubai: [email protected]

Notes to the editor

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. UNHCR delivers life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, helps to safeguard fundamental human rights, and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality.

For people uprooted by conflict and persecution, sport is much more than a leisure activity. It’s an opportunity to be included and protected – a chance to heal, develop and grow.

Sport and games have been found in humanitarian settings for as long as UNHCR has been working with people forced to flee conflict and persecution. Recognizing the power of sport, UNHCR works to develop partnerships, programmes, projects and tools to support the social development, inclusion, cohesion, and well-being – in particular of children, adolescents and youth – in displacement contexts.

Find out more about UNHCR's sport for protection work.  

About LIV Golf

LIV Golf is a global sports league featuring 13 teams, a 14-tournament schedule, and many of the world’s best golfers. Founded in 2022, LIV Golf was designed to expand the game on an international level and unlock the sport’s untapped economic and societal potential. A landmark investment by LIV Golf also launched The International Series, a set of 10 enhanced events on the Asian Tour schedule which offer elevated prize funds, world-class destinations, and a pathway to the LIV Golf League for players from all over the globe. Hall of Fame golfer and renowned businessman, Greg Norman, is the league’s first and founding CEO and Commissioner. Only three years into operations and with tournaments across North and Latin Americas, Asia, Australia, the Middle East and Europe, LIV Golf is proving that it’s possible to grow and improve the game for fans and golfers alike.

The LIV Golf League is owned and operated by LIV Golf Investments whose vision and mission is centered around making holistic and sustainable investments to enhance the global golf ecosystem and unlock the sport’s untapped worldwide potential.