Global Esports Federation Commits to Sustainability at SDG Digital Summit 2024
The Global Esports Federation (GEF) has pledged to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reaffirming its commitment at the SDG Digital Summit 2024. The summit, organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), focused on harnessing digital innovation to achieve the UN’s 17 SDGs.
Held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on September 20th-21st, the summit saw over $1.05 billion (~£785 million) in pledges to support the SDGs, which encompass goals like quality education, gender equality, and poverty reduction. As a participant, GEF joined hands with global leaders to support initiatives like digital skills development, youth empowerment, and increased connectivity through its #Elevate2030Program. Additionally, GEF made significant commitments as part of the ITU’s Partner2Connect Digital Coalition.
Advisory Group & Global Partnerships
GEF is also a part of the SDG Digital Advisory Group, a collaborative effort led by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, bringing together UN system organizations and tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to tackle global challenges with digital solutions. During the summit, GEF CEO Paul J. Foster joined a key discussion, “A Digital Future for All, The Hope of the Digital,” with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Foster emphasized the transformative power of esports: “Esports is not just about gaming; it’s a global connector, empowering youth, and a force for driving innovation.”
Awards and Global Social Impact Initiatives
Foster also presented the Pioneers Youth Award at the summit’s SDG Digital GameChangers Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to digital transformation.
GEF’s mission is to enhance the credibility, legitimacy, and prestige of esports worldwide. Headquartered in Singapore, with strategic hubs across the globe, the federation has forged over 175 international partnerships and Member Federations. Through various Global Social Impact Initiatives (GSII), GEF aims to use esports as a force for social change and sustainable development.
