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| Global eSports Federation (GEF) CEO Paul J. Foster presents the GEF Trophy to UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social & Human Sciences Gabriela Ramos in recognition of the collaborative spirit between UNESCO and Global Esports Federation at the launch of GEF Global Social Initiative at the UNESCO “Change The Game” Sport Conference in Paris, France. (Image Source: Global eSports Federation) |
The Global eSports Federation (GEF) launched the Global Social Impact Initiative (GSII) at the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Social and Cultural Organization) “Change The Game” Sport Conference ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and the announcement of the Olympic eSports Games during the 142nd IOC (International Olympic Committee) Session in Paris, marking a significant step towards mobilizing the #worldconnected gaming community for social good. At the initiative's launch, GEF convened a cohort of Global Impact Partners (GIP), rallying the vast #worldconnected community of over 3.2 billion gamers in a series of programs, actions, and initiatives.
The GSII launch marks a major milestone a year after MINEPS VII Baku. GEF’s #Elevate2030 provides a Corporate Social Responsibility framework of actions to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). GEF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Paul J. Foster emphasized the transformative power of eSports and gaming, stating, “The Global eSports Federation is proud of our Global Impact Partners, who joined GEF here in Olympic-city Paris, standing together as a beacon for positive change and a commitment to action. Through our collaborative partnerships and the dedication of our #worldconnected community, we commit to accelerating our joint efforts in a race to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.” The GSII will focus on several key areas of impact including Digital Transformation, Education, Environmental Sustainability, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Wellbeing, Universal Connectivity, and Youth Empowerment. Through a series of targeted initiatives and calls-to-action, the GEF and its GIP aim to leverage the extensive reach of gaming and eSports to drive meaningful change in these realms.
The launch of the GSII also saw the convergence of the GEF’s Global Impact Partners (GIP) who have committed substantial resources to support the implementation of GSII programs through a multi-million-dollar, multi-year pledge extending to 2030. The initial cohort of Global Impact Partners (GIP) includes African Sports and Creative Institute (ASCI), Commonwealth Sport, FITGMR, Infinite Reality, Intel Corporation, Polynize, Refract Technologies, Vatom Corporation, World Taekwondo, World Technology Games (WTG), and Yunus Sports Hub. This diverse group of organizations is set to collaborate with the GEF to implement a series of programs and initiatives aimed at enabling social impact and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GEF Chief Impact Officer Thanos Karagrounas highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “The launch of the Global Social Impact Initiative is a pivotal moment for the Global eSports Federation and the entire #worldconnected community. By harnessing the power and reach of gaming and eSports, we aim to create lasting, positive change across various spheres of society. Our Global Impact Partners play a crucial role in this mission and their commitment underscores the potential of collective action in driving progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
At a reception hosted by GEF at the UNESCO HQ, the Federation's International Relations and Development Commission Chairperson Aurélia Ruetsch unveiled key initiatives, solidifying GEF’s commitment to innovation and social responsibility. Among these is Games For Impact which aims to educate the community about social and environmental issues, inspire an active healthy lifestyle, and promote ethical game design and development, cultivating real-world impact through games. UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences Gabriela Ramos praised the GEF’s contributions, stating, “The Global eSports Federation’s launch of the Global Social Impact Initiative marks a significant step in harnessing the power of gaming for social good. By rallying the global gaming community and committing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, GEF demonstrates how innovative partnerships can drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive, sustainable future for everyone, everywhere.” In recognition of UNESCO's leadership, Foster and the Global Impact Partners presented the GEF Trophy to Ramos in recognition of the collaborative spirit between the two organizations. The GEF is excited to embark on this journey towards sustainable development and social impact, rallying the global gaming community as agents of positive change in a #worldconnected.
