Kuala Lumpur, Oct 8: The AFC Member Associations (MAs) & Regional Associations (RAs) Presidents’ and General Secretaries’ Conference 2023 commenced in Tashkent with great fanfare.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is determined to harness the full potential of its Member Associations and Regional Associations, and this conference marks a significant step in that direction.
The opening day of this historic conference saw the gathering of prominent figures, including His Excellency Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
This two-day event, hosted by the Uzbekistan Football Association, brought together the Presidents and General Secretaries of AFC’s Member Associations and Regional Associations, along with key representatives from FIFA’s global football community, creating a groundbreaking platform for collaboration.
The primary objective of this conference is to drive Asian football forward by providing MAs and RAs with knowledge, information, and valuable insights.
Furthermore, participants have the opportunity to access customized solutions, resources, and expertise offered by the AFC.
The inaugural day of the conference began with a presentation by CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, who discussed world football leadership and its impact on the game.
AFC General Secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John then shared the AFC’s vision of fostering an inspiring Asian leadership culture that leads to success both on and off the field.
Lamia Bahaian, Vice President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, offered her insights on how football can serve as a catalyst for national transformation and progress.
Mark Milton, the founder and director of Education 4 Peace, emphasized the importance of listening and presence in shaping the future of football leadership.
Dr. Mohamad Al-Hakim concluded the day with a presentation on how ethics and integrity are vital for the sustainable future of Asian football leadership.
Emerenciana Tolentino, Deputy General Secretary of the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “It has been a privilege to be here, listening to all the speakers while also reinforcing our bonds as members of the Asian football family.
Today really has been quite enlightening, and I am looking forward to everything that is in store for tomorrow.”
In a message on behalf of the AFC President, Datuk Seri Windsor reiterated the AFC’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities and capacities of its Member Associations and Regional Associations, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in advancing Asian football.
He stated, “The consolidated AFC Enhance Programme Regulations, and the breadth and depth of the initiatives under the AFC Academic Centre of Excellence, amply underscore that our dedication to our MAs and RAs is stronger than ever. This is why we need bold and visionary leaders who can transform our shared aspirations into reality, thereby upholding the AFC’s Vision of making football the number one sport throughout the continent.”
The second day of the conference promises more insightful presentations from distinguished speakers, including Kanya Keomany, FIFA Council Member and General Secretary of the Lao Football Federation; Anter Isaac, CEO of the renowned management consultancy firm Kleinmann Wang; Tsuneyasu Miyamoto, General Secretary of the Japan Football Association and a former Japanese international player and coach; and Răzvan Burleanu, FIFA Council Member and President of the Romanian Football Federation.
Additionally, Mark Milton, the founder and director of Education 4 Peace, will share practical lessons on the topics of listening and presence.
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