Sustainable Development Goals Through Football

  • 2020-06-23

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)on 2 September 2018 signed a partnership agreement for the promotion and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nepal through football, one of the world’s most popular sports. The SDGs, also known as the Global Goals, are a bold, universal agreement to end poverty in all its dimensions and craft an equal, just and secure world – for the people, the planet and prosperity – by 2030.

Under the partnership, UNDP and ANFA will collaborate to undertake joint initiatives to raise awareness on the SDGs and mobilize relevant stakeholders and advocate for their contribution to the achievement of the Goals. The partnership will also explore ways to promote and maximize the contribution of sports, especially football to sustainable development in Nepal.

“We are pleased to enter into a partnership with ANFA,” said UNDP Nepal Country Director Renaud Meyer upon signing the agreement in Kathmandu. “Sport has proven to be one of the most powerful and efficient means for promoting peace and development objectives the world over. In Nepal, through this partnership, we look forward to reach out, empower and engage the sports fans and especially the youth across the country in scoring more meaningful Goals for Nepal and the entire planet.”

The United Nations recognizes sport as an enabler of sustainable development in its promotion of tolerance and respect and the contribution it makes to the empowerment of women and of young people. For the same reason, sports institutions are recognized as key partners in advancing the Global Goals. In Nepal, football has long been a popular game that empowers and connects people across cultures and geography.

“Our partnership with UNDP is for a noble cause, which will further maximize the contribution of the sports sector, especially football, to the sustainable development of the country. ANFA has been championing the cause of sustainable development through sports events and CSR initiatives. Now, with this specific mission, our sports events will inspire athletes to become champions of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and drive progress and change at the national level and in their communities,” said Karma Tshering Sherpa, ANFA President. 

 

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