News
UNESCO and Yunus Sports Hub partner to drive sustainable development through sport
In the context of UNESCO’s Social and Human Sciences Sector, which seeks to build inclusive societies through tools such as sport, the Yunus Sports Hub and UNESCO will work together to scale up the use of social business in combination with sport to enhance sustainable development.
19 June 2023
Professor Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and co-founder of the Yunus Sports Hub, came to UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on 13 June 2023 for the occasion. The collaboration takes place in the context UNESCO’s Fit for Life flagship.
Sport is central to solve many of the challenges we are facing. It can and should be used for the common good. This is why we are thrilled to be working with Yunus Sports Hub. Professor Yunus’ efforts and our own actions through UNESCO’s Fit for Life initiative have shown the incredible power of sport to promote wellbeing and create more equal, resilient and inclusive societies. We are both committed in our effort to make sport count!
Gabriela Ramos
Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences of UNESCO
UNESCO has the power to influence people, give credibility to initiatives and unite organizations behind a common goal. With UNESCO's immense influence and the collaborative efforts of Yunus Sports Hub and all those ready to change the world, we recognize the tremendous opportunities that lie in our partnership. Sport is natural. It unites people, transcends differences, and harnesses tremendous power. Together, let’s embrace social business for driving sustainable development and peace through sport, and unlock the full potential of this extraordinary alliance.
Professor Muhammad Yunus
Co-founder of the Yunus Sports Hub
UNESCO and Yunus Sports Hub collaboration will focus around four main areas of work:
- Fit for Life's Youth Accelerator Programme: this programme will support to upskill youth participants via masterclasses, social business training and work placements; and via increased practicing of sports through youth-led community projects.
- Fit for Life Label for Inclusive and Sustainable Sports Events: hosts and organizing committees will be supported to develop, harmonize and cross-promote legacy plans that boost social and environmental sustainability using social business principles.
- Transforming Cities through Sport: economic sustainable community sport facilities will be created in disadvantaged urban areas, providing economic opportunities for members of different communities, particularly young people and women.
- Sport and Social Business events: opportunities will be explored to promote and/or jointly host sport, Fit for Life and social business-related major events.
The collaboration between UNESCO and the Yunus Sports Hub will reinforce the connections between sport, equality, sustainability and development. Activities will be designed to create tangible impact and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
