UN marks UEFA's partnership with 'Football for Goals' initiative

July 7 - As the Women's Euro kicks off, the United Nations launches a new initiative: 'Football for Goals' - with UEFA as the first supporter.

The program aims to engage with football stakeholders and “harness the broadcasting power of football and the global footprint of sport to advance sustainability, equality, human rights and climate action by promoting actions and practices that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)."

UEFA recently launched its own sustainability strategy - Strength through Unity - which focuses on human rights and the environment.

The UN project aims to raise awareness of the SDGs and bring about behavior change and sustainable practices.

The initiative invites people to join the FFTG and become "active agents of change by committing to adopting the principles of sustainable development and human rights, developing sustainable business practices and acting as as champions of the SDGs".

Those who engage in the program will promote through tournaments, players, corporate brand exposure, media and fan communities to raise the profile of the SDGs through amplification and advocacy. The objective being to demonstrate how sustainable practices can be integrated through sport.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said: "UEFA, as the inaugural member of Football for Goals, aspires to play a leading role as an exponent of change in sport helping to promote sustainable development and introducing more sustainable business and operations models to the football industry.

"I am convinced that if football unites and combines its power to drive lasting change, it can have a strong and lasting positive impact. As UEFA, we must set a good example towards lasting change and inspire others to follow,” he continued.

A first example of FFTG in action is a pilot project with the Norwegian FA showing how its national teams, grassroots and leagues, and their media partner, will work together to support the SDGs. Project results will be shared via the UN with others interested in joining FFTG.

"The United Nations recognizes the powerful voice football carries in the global community and the role football can play in raising awareness of the SDGs through the popularity of the game," said Amina J. Mohammed, Under-Secretary-General United Nations. nations.

"Football for the Goals offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness and galvanize the world into action on the SDGs. We are grateful to UEFA for their commitment as an inaugural member of this initiative and we look forward to looking forward to many more members of the football community joining this effort around the world.”

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by world leaders at the Sustainable Development Summit in September 2015. Covering global issues ranging from health to gender equality and education, the goals mobilize efforts around the world to end all forms of poverty, fight inequality and tackle climate change by 2030, while ensuring that no one is left behind.

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