Mission 89 Announces Appointment of New Board Members & Special Envoy to Strengthen Global Fight Against Child Trafficking in Sports

Mission 89, a leading research, education, and advocacy organisation dedicated to protecting children and young athletes from exploitation and trafficking, has announced the appointment of four distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors.

The latest announcement marks a significant step in advancing the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and promoting ethical practices in sports globally. The newly appointed board members bring a wealth of expertise spanning law, migration policy, athlete safety, and sustainable development:

Fabien Aepli (Switzerland): Co-founder of MANGEAT law firm, Mr. Aepli is a renowned specialist in banking, finance, and corporate law. His legal acumen will reinforce Mission 89’s advocacy for robust regulatory frameworks and accountability within the sports industry.

Laurent M.J. de Boeck (Belgium): With over 28 years of leadership experience at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Mr. de Boeck is a respected authority in migration policy. His insights will be invaluable in addressing the cross-border challenges of child trafficking in sports.

Julia Govinden (United Kingdom): As CEO of United Through Sports and an expert in athlete safety and psychology, Ms. Govinden is recognised for her dedication to athlete welfare. Her expertise will guide Mission 89’s efforts to develop educational and safeguarding programs for vulnerable youth.

H.E. Keisha Aniya McGuire (Grenada): The former Ambassador of Grenada to the United Nations, Ms. McGuire is a leader in sustainable development and international diplomacy. Her global perspective will support Mission 89’s mission to influence policy and foster international collaboration.

“We are honoured to welcome such an accomplished and diverse group of leaders to our Board”, Lerina Bright, Executive Director, Mission 89. “Each person brings a remarkable track record of dedication and expertise—from advancing legal frameworks and migration policies to championing athlete welfare and sustainable development. Their collective experience and passion will be instrumental as we deepen our commitment to protecting vulnerable young athletes worldwide. Together, we look forward to driving meaningful change, strengthening global partnerships, and ensuring that every child’s right to a safe and nurturing sporting environment is upheld.”

This also builds on the appointment of Jaco Booyens as Special Envoy for Strategic Relations, who will represent Mission 89’s interests with key government stakeholders and anti-trafficking entities globally, with particular emphasis on US engagement regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup initiatives. Booyens is renowned for his extensive work as an anti-human trafficking activist, filmmaker, speaker, and entrepreneur. His commitment to combating human trafficking began in 2001 after his younger sister survived being trafficked, a pivotal event that propelled him into advocacy and public awareness efforts.

The announcement comes at a pivotal time as Mission 89 expands its research and advocacy to combat the exploitation of young athletes, particularly those trafficked from Africa and Asia to Europe under false promises of sporting success.

Mission 89’s guiding principles are rooted in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) and FIFA’s Article 19, advocating for the enforcement of international standards to prevent the illicit transfer and exploitation of minors in sport. Through research, education, and collaboration with global partners, Mission 89 continues to lead the fight against child trafficking and exploitation in sport.