While the World Cup of the Football Club starts in the United States, on the other side of the world, the Japanese club Gamba Osaka reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development by becoming the first team of the country’s professional league to join the United Nations “football for initiative goals.
The initiative provides a platform to the World Football Community to engage with and promote the agreed international Sustainable Development Objectives (SDGs).
The UN Maher Nasser (left) (on the left) and the Shinji of Gamba Osaka mark the membership of the Japanese club on the football initiative for goals.
Shinji Ito, director of external affairs of the football team, Gamba Osaka, told UN News at the United Nations Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka which supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is important for its club.
“As a football club, we can work with supporters to change attitudes and behavior on issues such as the environment, climate, sustainability, health and disability, which are part of the SDGs.”
The multicolored ODD logo is in a good place displayed at the club stadium in Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, it appeared on the team kit and the players visited local schools to explain why the SDGs are important.
At the stage, efforts are made to encourage fans to separate recycling waste, a behavior which, according to Japan, must be highlighted and intensified. The paper cups have replaced plastic cups and the player’s team shirts are made from more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.
“We see an increased awareness of the importance of the SDGs,” said Ito. “We recognize that this is a long -term commitment and that a significant change takes place over 10 years or more.”
Team effort
Gamba Osaka is now listed on the Football initiative for the UN goals, making it a first for the professional game of Japan.
Taro Shinzato (left) visited the UN pavilion with Satoka Shinzato.
The initiative aims to inspire and guide all the people involved in sport who see the value of sustainability, confederations, national associations, leagues and clubs to players’ associations, groups of organized fans, as well as media and business partners.
This encourages them to rely on existing sustainability approaches and to implement strategies that lead to a change in behavior.
Launched in 2022, at a time when progress towards the SDGs was and continue to weaken, there are now some 370 entities registered.
“The world football industry is extremely influential and has the power to communicate with billions of people around the world,” said Maher Nasser, United Nations Commissioner at Expo 2025.
“Our members will inspire action by demonstrating how sustainable practices can be integrated into any business model, including sport,” he added.
Keep an eye on the ball
SDGs are part of the Japanese school program, so many young people are aware of their importance.
Taro Shinzato, who supports the Nagoya Grampus 8 rival team, visited the United Nations Pavilion at Expo 2025, saying: “When we think of the SDGs, we focus on the environment and lasting life in Japan. We may not think enough of SDGs in other countries, which is very important because we all share the same land. ”
Football for goals
Goal football was launched in July 2022. The initiative has 370 members of more than 120 countries. The six regional FIFA confederations are members. Each member has committed to integrate sustainable practices into their operations and to promote the SDGs.
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