Football for the Goals Kick Off

The United Nations Country Team (UNCT) in Bhutan, in collaboration with the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF), kicked off the "Football for the Goals," initiative - a groundbreaking initiative aimed at leveraging the power of football to drive positive social change and promote sustainable development in Bhutan. This innovative campaign, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), will run until March 2024.

The campaign was launched today at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu during the finale of the 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑.

Bhutan has made remarkable strides in national development; however, challenges related to mental health, substance abuse, gender-based violence, and climate change persist. The "Football for the Goals" campaign harnesses the popularity of football to address these challenges, fostering unity, inclusivity, and shared responsibility among communities.

As the world strives to achieve the SDGs by 2030, innovative and inclusive approaches are essential to inspire positive social change. Football, as one of the world's most popular sports, has the potential to serve as a powerful platform for advancing the SDGs.

The "Football for the Goals" initiative will unfold through various campaigns focusing on different aspects of social development by equipping young Bhutanese with the knowledge and skills necessary to harness the influence of football and become catalysts for change in their communities.

The five-month long campaign will focus on four themes:

1. Health and Wellbeing: Address mental health, nutrition, and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights issues through football-related activities and workshops, promoting healthier lifestyles.
2. Protecting Children and Youth: Foster a safe environment for young Bhutanese through education, awareness, and empowerment initiatives, coinciding with International Day of the Girl Child and World Children’s Day.
3. Gender Equality and Women Empowerment: Promote gender equality and women's empowerment, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate women's achievements in sports during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
4. Climate Action: Rais awareness about climate change challenges faced by mountain communities, inspire climate action, and empower youth to become environmental stewards.

Bhutan Football Federation was recently admitted as a member of the UN’s initiative “Football for the Goals.” By joining the initiative, the federation commits to advocate the achievement of and implementing policies aligned with the SDGs.