Driving Change Through Football

Developed in collaboration with the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety (UN SSERS), the module builds on UEFA’s longstanding support for global road-safety efforts. As UEFA emphasises, millions of people travel every day to matches, training sessions and community activities,  players, coaches, families, volunteers and fans alike. This enormous movement makes football uniquely positioned to champion safer behaviour on the roads.

Michele Uva, UEFA Executive Director of Social & Environmental Sustainability, underscored the organisation’s motivation: “UEFA is proud to strengthen its commitment with the United Nations to spotlight road safety through our Take Care campaign. Our goal is to promote responsible travel within the football community and beyond, helping save lives and build a safer society.”

A Global Call for Action

The need for immediate, coordinated action is clear. Road traffic incidents remain a leading cause of death for young people worldwide. In the official announcement, Jean Todt, UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, welcomed UEFA’s commitment: “Far too many young lives are lost on the world’s roads each year. While we urgently need stronger action from governments and businesses, every individual also has a responsibility. I appreciate that UEFA is using its platform to highlight the simple steps each of us can take to stay safe and save lives.”

The collaboration aims not only to raise awareness but also to inspire behavioural change across football environments, from grassroots clubs to major stadiums, and from youth training sessions to matchday journeys.

Launch Event at UEFA HQ

The Road Safety module was launched at an event hosted at the House of European Football in Nyon on 1 December 2025.

The event included:

• A documentary screening, narrated by Academy Award winner and UNDP Goodwill Ambassador Michelle Yeoh
• Appearances by UN-JCDecaux Global Road Safety Champions, including
  • 2025 Ballon d’Or winner and UEFA Champions League champion Ousmane Dembélé, and
  • Formula driver Mick Schumacher
• A panel discussion moderated by journalist Pedro Pinto, featuring Michele Uva, Jean Todt, and leading voices from motorsport and sports governance

The programme underlines how football can carry important messages to global audiences, using high-profile ambassadors and compelling storytelling to inspire safer behaviour.

A Comprehensive Educational Toolkit

The Road Safety module forms part of UEFA’s broader Take Care initiative, which addresses six key issues affecting daily life:

• Physical activity
• Nutrition
• Mental health
• Digital addiction
• Substance awareness
• Road safety

Materials on each module are accessible online via the dedicated UEFA Take Care website.

Sport as a Driver for Societal Well-being

The partnership between UEFA and the UN highlights the increasing recognition of sport as a tool for public-health communication and behaviour change. By positioning road safety alongside mental health, physical activity and nutrition within the Take Care programme, UEFA underscores its holistic approach to supporting communities both on and off the pitch.

This collaboration is more than a campaign, it’s a call to action for millions of people who interact with football every day. As UEFA notes when global governing bodies unite around a shared social priority, they can help deliver meaningful, lasting change.