SCU joins Football for the Goals to celebrate World Football Day.
May 25th marks World Football Day, a global recognition of the unique and transformative power of football to unite people, transcend borders, and drive positive social change. Officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, World Football Day commemorates the sport’s impact as a tool for peace, development, and community empowerment.
To celebrate this year’s World Football Day, Street Child United (SCU) was invited to participate in the Football for the Goals FFTG0 Forum, held on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Forum was a landmark event convened by the United Nations to explore how football can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Football for the Goals initiative, launched by the UN, serves as a platform for the global football community – associations, leagues, clubs, players, NGOs, and fans – to align their operations and influence with the SDGs. Through shared commitment and partnership, the initiative harnesses the visibility and popularity of football to advocate for sustainable development and social impact.
At the Forum, SCU’s Head of Programmes and Delegations, Júlia Pimenta, represented the organisation and shared her reflections on a powerful week of dialogue, collaboration, and action.
Julia spoke on the panel “Champions for Change: Football and the UN United for the SDGs”, sharing insights from SCU’s work with marginalised youth and highlighting how football can be a catalyst for education, empowerment, and long-term change in communities around the world.
The panel explored effective strategies for using sport to create systemic transformation, and was expertly guided by moderator Mike Pfister, who facilitated a discussion grounded in practical, scalable solutions for real-world impact.
In addition to the UN Forum, Julia also moderated a session at UNICEF House as part of the “Every Play for Every Child” event. This session focused on the role of football’s governing bodies in supporting sport for development, with a particular emphasis on advancing child rights – such as access to birth registration and identity. Panellists included: Jason Roberts MBE, Director of Development at CONCACAF; Sarah Mukuna, CAF Executive; Khurshed Mirzo, Tajikistan Football Federation; Sébastien Haller, Borussia Dortmund and Côte d’Ivoire international footballer
“We explored how football can advance child rights through powerful partnerships and shared purpose.”
As SCU reflects on this momentous week, we reaffirm our belief that football is a uniquely powerful vehicle for change. Whether it’s raising awareness, advocating for the SDGs, or developing long-term partnerships that create opportunity and dignity, football can and must play a key role in achieving sustainable development.
We are proud to contribute to the Football for the Goals initiative and to stand alongside organisations, individuals, and institutions that are harnessing the power of the game to change lives.
Football is more than a game. It’s a movement for good.
