The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has announced it has been accepted as an official member of the United Nation’s Football for the Goals (FFTG).
The programme is a UN initiative that provides a platform for the global football community to engage with and advocate for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It’s an opportunity to build on the sport’s powerful reach by aligning messaging, strategies, and operations with the aspirations of the SDGs.
OFC’s inclusion in the programme follows the launch of its social responsibility strategy the “”Power of Football” last week. The strategy has been aligned to prioritise SDGs in the Pacific and has been designed to enhance the wellbeing of individuals and communities across the region.
Football for the Goals members commit to five key principles:
*Sustainability policies and practices
*Implementing and advocating for the SDGs
*A human rights-based approach, including in addressing issues of discrimination and avoiding discriminatory practices
*Equality and equity including gender
*Climate action
As a FFTG member OFC now has access to defined resources, content and specialised expertise within the United Nations and the opportunity to collaborate through this initiative, in convenings, discussion and events alongside the FFTG membership of fellow football stakeholders.
OFC Head of Social Responsibility Michael Armstrong welcomes the acceptance of OFC’s applications to join the FFTG.
“The Sustainable Development Goals provide a blueprint for social development globally,” Armstrong said.
“OFC has a long track record of using football to support health, education, access to water and sanitation, equality and inclusion and environmental challenges.
“We are excited to shine a spotlight on our region; to share our approach and to learn from the global football community as we aim to maximise the impact our sport has in the Pacific.”
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are:
*No Poverty
*Zero Hunger
*Good Health and Well-Being
*Quality Education
*Gender Equality
*Clean Water and Sanitation
*Affordable and Clean Energy
*Decent Work and Economic Growth
*Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
*Reduced Inequalities
*Sustainable Cities and Communities
*Responsible Consumption and Production
*Climate Action
*Life below water
*Live on land
*Peace, Justice, and strong Institutions
*Partnerships for the Goals
OFC’s approach has been guided by global frameworks for enhancing sport’s contribution like the Kazan Action Plan and regional development frameworks like the Pacific Blueprint for Sustainable Development. Progress against the SDGs in our region can be found on the Pacific Data Hub:
17 Goals to Transform The Pacific – Pacific Data Hub
OFC’s contribution to sustainable development has been made possible thanks to longstanding partnerships with the UEFA Foundation for Children, the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trads, Australian Aid, UNICEF, and UN Women
SOURCE: OFC/PACNEWS
