AFC and UN Reaffirm Commitment to Football for Development in Asia

Strategic Insights -

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the United Nations' Football for the Goals (FFTG) initiative have strengthened their partnership to use football as a tool for social development in Asia. The two organizations, along with several football stakeholders, are working together to promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through responsible business practices, social inclusion, and sustainable development messaging. The number of AFC Member Associations and Regional Associations aligned with the FFTG's SDGs platform has grown to 28, with 20 currently under review.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AFC and FFTG have reaffirmed their commitment to leveraging football for social development in Asia, with a focus on promoting the SDGs.
  • The number of AFC Member Associations and Regional Associations aligned with the FFTG's SDGs platform has grown to 28, with 20 currently under review.
  • The Football Association of Indonesia, the Chinese Football Association, and the Philippine Football Federation have become the latest applicants for FFTG membership.
  • The Football Association of Thailand, Football Association of Brunei Darussalam, Tajikistan Football Federation, and Football Association of the Maldives have also joined the initiative.
  • Membership in FFTG is voluntary, non-binding, and without financial obligation, making it an accessible and strategic platform for the AFC's 47 Member Associations and five Regional Associations.
  • The AFC Dream Asia Foundation Conference 2025 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the UN FFTG Secretariat, and will convene football stakeholders, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society to exchange knowledge and strengthen collaboration in leveraging football for sustainable development.
  • The AFC Dream Asia Foundation, in collaboration with FFTG, is playing a key enabling role in helping football governing bodies across Asia participate in this movement.
  • Robert Skinner, Chief of Partnerships and Global Engagement in the UN's Department of Global Communications, highlighted the significance of the AFC-UN partnership in advancing the SDGs through football.

Statistics:

  • 28 AFC Member Associations and Regional Associations are currently aligned with the FFTG's SDGs platform.
  • 20 AFC Member Associations and Regional Associations are currently under review for FFTG membership.
  • 47 AFC Member Associations and 5 Regional Associations are eligible to join the FFTG initiative.
  • The AFC Dream Asia Foundation Conference 2025 will be held on October 15, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • The event will convene over 500 football stakeholders, UN agencies, NGOs, and civil society representatives.

Sources:

  • "AFC and UN Reaffirm Commitment to Football for Development in Asia" by Wam, 08 Jul 2025.
  • Vahid Kardany, Secretary to the AFC Dream Asia Foundation and the AFC Deputy General Secretary - Member Associations, as quoted in the article.
  • Robert Skinner, Chief of Partnerships and Global Engagement in the UN's Department of Global Communications, as quoted in the article.
  • Football for the Goals, a United Nations platform launched to harness the power of football in advancing the SDGs.