DUBAI, UAE – In a landmark announcement that bridges the worlds of elite athletics and
environmental diplomacy, the Founder of SECOTO (Sustainable Environmental Conservation
Tournaments) Patience Shumbusho has officially confirmed that the United Arab Emirates will
serve as the permanent home for its global headquarters.
The decision marks a pivotal moment for the movement, which has rapidly evolved from its
launch at COP28 UAE, COP29 Baku and COP30 BRAZIL as an official signatory of the
Sports for Nature framework (supported by United nation Environmental programm UNEP,
International Union Conservation for Nature IUCN, the International Olympic Committee
( IOC, DONA BERTALLERI Philanthropy and Convention on Biological Diversity). By anchoring its operations in UAE, specifically within the legacy-rich ecosystem of Expo City
Dubai, Masdar City, SECOTO positions itself at the epicenter of global sustainability and innovation. A Legacy of Leadership
The choice of the UAE is no coincidence. Following the historic “UAE Consensus” reached
during COP28, the nation has solidified its reputation as a global laboratory for climate solutions.
“The UAE is not just a location; it is a vision,” stated the Founder of SECOTO Patience
Shumbusho: “By establishing our headquarters here, we are aligning the SECOTO movement
with a nation that understands how to scale ambitious ideas into global realities. This is the
strategic bridge between the Paris Agreement and the Sports pitches, basketball courts, and
communities of 197 countries.”
The “Command Center” for a Billion-Dollar Vision
The new headquarters is designed to be more than just an office; it is the Global Command
Center for a massive operational roadmap. From this hub, SECOTO will coordinate:
• The 32 National Eco-Sports Clubs: Managing the identification and empowerment of
talent-rich hubs in every country signatory to the Paris Agreement.
• The Intercontinental Green Cup: Oversight of the world’s first climate-focused multi-
sport tournament series.
• The “One Tree Per Fan” Initiative: A digital-to-nature mechanism that leverages the
global social media following of sports icons to drive reforestation.
Empowering the Next Generation
A key pillar of the UAE-based headquarters will be the Youth Empowerment Exchange. The
facility will host delegates from 120 countries, fostering a unique dialogue between urban youth
and Indigenous communities. This program ensures that the transition to a green economy
“leaves no one behind,” integrating traditional conservation wisdom with modern cinema, music,
and 3D digital design.
A Sustainable Sportswear Revolution
The headquarters will also house the design and strategy center for SECOTO Eco-Sportswear.
By utilizing the UAE’s advanced logistics and commitment to circular economy principles,
SECOTO aims to ensure that every participant in the National Green Cups is wearing apparel
that tells a story of conservation and recycled innovation.Looking Ahead to 2026–2028
As SECOTO prepares for the 2027 Intercontinental Green Cup and the 2028 World Green
Cup, the UAE headquarters will serve as the engine of growth. With an initial core team of 30
specialists scaling to nearly 300, the movement is set to redefine the role of sports in the 21st
century.
From the heart of UAE SECOTO is sending a clear message to the world: The game for our
planet has begun, and the home field is the UAE
