News article
CAF backs UN’s Football for the Goals
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has joined the United Nations’ Football for the Goals initiative.
The For the Goals initiative aims to leverage the universal appeal of football as a tool to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). CAF will integrate the SDGs into its grassroots and youth football development programmes across the continent of Africa.
CAF will actively engage with countries and communities, advocating for initiatives that promote sustainable development – focusing on the SDGs to combat societal challenges including promoting education and alleviating poverty.
“We are very pleased that over the past three years, a huge amount of progress has been made in achieving the football and societal upliftment goals we had set including investing in our youth and creating opportunities for women in football and in our communities,” commented CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe.
“CAF and its Member Associations that represent 54 African countries are committed to working together with the United Nations to promote and achieve the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals."
“CAF and its Member Associations that represent 54 African countries are committed to working together with the United Nations to promote and achieve the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and building a better Africa and a better world. We are honoured to make a humble contribution to promoting and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals using football; the most popular sport in Africa and worldwide.”
Over the last two years, the CAF’s African Schools Football Championship has impacted the lives of over 800,000 boys and girls in more than 44 African countries. The initiative promotes health and wellness through active participation in football in schools, and fosters gender equality by providing equal opportunities, training and prize money.
“Football, recognised by the UN General Assembly for its unparalleled global reach and profound impact across various spheres, including the Sustainable Development Goals, holds immense potential,” said Robert Skinner, UN Deputy Director and Chief of Partnerships and Global Engagement.
“The United Nations is excited to welcome CAF as a member of Football for the Goals and to work with the CAF team and the African football community. Together, we have a unique opportunity to advance the SDG Agenda, drive meaningful change, and make a lasting difference in communities across Africa and beyond.”