The firm purpose of the European body is to achieve the UN SDGs
MADRID, 6 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
UEFA has joined the United Nations (UN) as an inaugural member of ‘Football for the Goals’, an initiative that provides a platform for the global football community to commit to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). .
On the day the Women’s European Football Championship opens in England from July 6-31, UEFA, which in December 2021 unveiled its own ‘Strength through Unity’ sustainability strategy focused on human rights and the environment , thus joins the initiative as an inaugural member.
As an initiative led and managed by the UN, ‘Football for the Goals’ seeks to harness the power of football not only to increase awareness and recognition of the SDGs but to bring about changes in behavior and sustainable practices in the football industry, and to inspire fans of this sport around the world.
‘Football for the Objectives’ began with a telematic chat between the Deputy Secretary General of the UN, Amina J. Mohammed, and the President of UEFA, Aleksander Ceferin.
Football stakeholders are invited to join ‘Football for the Objectives’ and become active agents of change by committing to adopt the principles of sustainable development and human rights, to develop sustainable business practices and to act as ‘champions’ for the SDGs.
Members will use their visibility and outreach power through tournaments, footballers, corporate branding, media and fan communities to raise the profile of the SDGs through amplification and promotion.
Through their commitments, they will raise awareness of the SDGs and demonstrate how sustainable practices can be implemented in any business model, including sport.
In order to highlight the applicability of the commitments outlined in ‘Football for the Objectives’, the Norwegian Football Federation is launching a pilot project demonstrating how its national teams, grassroots football and leagues, and their media partner, will work together to support the SDGs and will work closely with the United Nations to share the results with those interested in joining this initiative.