October 17 – Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the latest football stakeholder to become a member of the United Nations’ (UN) Football for the Goals (FFTG) initiative.
The AFC will play a key role in advocating for and implementing policies aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The AFC’s regional footprint covers two-thirds of the world’s youth.
Football for the Goals is a United Nations initiative that engages with football stakeholders to leverage football and the sport’s global footprint in advancing sustainability, equality, human rights and climate action by promoting actions and practices that support the SDGs.
The new alignment builds on the AFC’s existing Social Responsibility Strategy 2023-2027 launched earlier this month and will align messaging, strategies, and operations with the SDGs.
The AFC’s strategy, working with its member associations and regional associations, has been to create a comprehensive and inclusive blueprint to embark on stronger, more effective and transformative initiatives. The UN hook-up will add momentum to that process.
“Football has the unique ability to unite people from all backgrounds. It is a powerful force and as guardians of the game, we have the duty and responsibility to channel that power to institute transformative and positive change,” said AFC President and Patron of the AFC Dream Asia Foundation, Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa.
“The AFC’s Vision and Mission is to empower and strengthen communities across the Continent and, over the years, we have continued to play a leadership role through the breakthrough programmes under the AFC Dream Asia Foundation.”
Maher Nasser, Director of the Outreach Division, United Nations Department of Global Communications said: “For Football for the Goals to have real impact, it is important to reach as wide an audience and membership as possible.
“With the AFC joining as our 50th official member, we have taken a significant step forward toward achieving meaningful change and advancing the SDGs. We warmly welcome the AFC and its strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.”
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