UNECE and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to show how football and the organization of UEFA events can help cities become more sustainable .

To celebrate the agreement, a side event titled “Football as an Accelerator for Change” with keynote speeches from UNECE, UEFA and the City of Copenhagen took place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. , within the framework of the UNECE Mayors Forum.

Among those who also spoke were the mayor of Copenhagen, Sophie Hæstorp Andersen, whose city hosted matches at UEFA EURO 2020 last summer, and UEFA’s head of women’s football, Nadine Kessler, who spoke about her experiences as a former player, transitioning to a second career in football governance and inspiring more girls to take up the sport.

“Unlike any other sport, football has the ability to unite, and we want to work together, with UEFA, to use the power of football to have a positive impact on important global issues, such as sustainability. environmental and social responsibility,” said UNECE Executive Secretary Olga Algayerova.

“Complex sustainability issues can only be addressed and resolved if we work closely with a wide range of stakeholders. Football is played and watched by millions of people, especially young people, and our actions can have a huge impact on society.

Michele Uva, UEFA Football Social Responsibility Director, said: “Football events are an accelerator of change that can contribute to the sustainable development of society and help host cities achieve smart goals. UEFA looks forward to helping build new bridges between football, cities and communities, guided by the belief that sustainability is at the heart of the success of civil society and future generations.

UNECE is the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, which comprises 56 United Nations member states and aims to promote pan-European economic integration. The objectives of the cooperation will also seek to promote smart and sustainable city objectives, while facilitating knowledge exchange and promoting safe and sustainable mobility in urban areas.

The memorandum will also aim to ensure that investment in partner and host events contributes to making cities more sustainable.

“Working alongside UNECE, we have a strong partner to ensure our efforts are moving in the right direction, while staying informed and understanding the current challenges facing cities – our events are therefore part of the solution.”