*Subtitles: Choose “Subtitles/CC” in the “Settings” (gear icon) at the bottom right of the YouTube video.
*Subtitles may not show with multiple languages or overlapping audio.

Programme:
1.Welcome and introduction by Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2025

2. Keynote Presentation on “Sustainability in Sport Events as a Success Factor”
Mr. Michele Uva, Director, Social & Environmental Sustainability, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA)

3. Panel Discussion on "The Role of Sports in a Sustainable Future"

In Collaboration with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and HEROs PLEDGE (HEROs Project by the Nippon Foundation)

【Reflection】

At the beginning of the event, Michele Uva, UEFA’s Director of Social & Environmental Sustainability, delivered a keynote speech. This was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Kaoru Nemoto, Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Tokyo, featuring Mr. Uva, Maher Nasser, Commissioner-General of the UN Pavilion, ski jumper Sara Takanashi, Minako Yoshikawa, Executive Advisor at ASICS, and Akihiro Nagashima, President of the Osaka Football Association and Council Member of the Japan Football Association. Together, they discussed the responsibilities and possibilities that the world of sports holds for building a sustainable future.

In his keynote, Mr. Uva introduced UEFA’s sustainability approach, which is built on three pillars: environment, social issues, and governance. He highlighted concrete initiatives such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, minimizing waste, and promoting resource recycling in stadiums and tournament operations. Additionally, he spoke about efforts to eliminate racism, advance gender equality and the rights of persons with disabilities, provide training, and integrate sustainability considerations into procurement processes.

He also emphasized the far-reaching influence of sports, noting that UEFA oversees around 3,000 professional clubs, 250,000 amateur clubs, and 20 million players, reaching a global fan base of approximately 2 billion people—an immense network for conveying powerful messages.

Ski jumper Sara Takanashi shared her deep sense of urgency regarding climate change, explaining how a lack of snowfall had led to the postponement or cancellation of ski jumping events and forced competitions to rely on artificial snow. Motivated by the desire to pass on snow sports to future generations, she has become more actively engaged in addressing climate issues. As someone who has been fortunate to compete in excellent environments, she feels a responsibility to speak out.

Mr. Nagashima stressed that sustainability is not limited to environmental or climate-related concerns. He highlighted the importance of using football to support children’s education, promote human rights for children unable to participate in matches, and contribute to the development of a rich culture and society through sports, including in post-disaster recovery efforts.

Ms. Yoshikawa introduced ASICS’s efforts to develop low-carbon shoes and explained how, as a private company, advancing sustainability means viewing it as a long-term investment. This involves reevaluating the supply chain and finding ways to engage consumers through recycling programs and apps.

Throughout the discussion, the broad intersections between sports and sustainability were brought into sharp focus. Speakers underscored the importance of maintaining a long-term perspective, building communities that can inspire and support one another in implementing sustainability initiatives, and the need to persevere and steadily advance these efforts without giving up.

【Post EXPO Initiatives】

Looking ahead, the United Nations will continue to focus on the intersection between sports and sustainability, actively working with the sports community to promote actions that advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For example, recognizing the global popularity of football and its extensive impact across commerce, peace, diplomacy, and its unique ability to create platforms for collaboration, the UN is driving initiatives such as Football for the Goals. This initiative aims to raise awareness of the SDGs and encourage behavioral change and sustainable practices within the football industry.

Taking advantage of Expo 2025, new Japanese partners—including the Japan Football Association, the Japan Inclusive Football Federation, and various professional clubs—have joined this effort. Through these partnerships, we will further promote the SDGs across Japan’s football community.

Moreover, the United Nations recognizes that sports are a powerful tool for advancing human rights, social inclusion, and economic development, and continues to champion “Sport for Development and Peace.” Moving forward, we will foster communities that connect stakeholders in the sports world, facilitate the sharing of best practices, address common challenges, and build partnerships for sustainable development and peace. Through these efforts, we aim to harness the power of sports to achieve a more sustainable future.