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October 14, 2022
The Global Esports Federation (GEF) and Yunus Sports Hub (YSH) – a global social business network that creates solutions to social and environmental problems in and through sport – have teamed up to accelerate ways for the global esports community to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Together, the partners will launch the Esports for Development (E4D) movement.
Adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, the SDGs are 17 interlinked Global Goals designed as a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future” for all countries. Set during the UN General Assembly, they have a target acheivement date of 2030.
“We have to shun our old thinking processes, which have created extreme poverty, massive unemployment and the climate crisis. Young people, with the support of today’s technology, have the power to create a new civilization. When used in the right manner, esports can be a unique tool to help young people come together to imagine, promote and bring this new civilization into reality,” said Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chairman of YSH.
Esports, or electronic sports, have greatly grown over the last few years. This year an estimated 29.6 million esports viewers was predicted, an 11.5% increase from 2021. In 2021, global esports income hit $1 billion and by 2024, it is predicted to reach $1.6 billion.
With the joint belief in the power of esports, the GEF and YSH will provide a platform to identify, build capacity and accelerate the development of impactful and financially sustainable initiatives. The initiatives will be based on a social business model pioneered by 2006 Peace Nobel Laureate and Olympic Laurel awardee Yunus. The movement will launch at this December’s Istanbul 2022 Global Esports Games, showcasing successful programs and sharing inspiring stories from the esports community.
Yunus is internationally recognized as the founder of microcredit (an extension of very small loans) and the father of social business. He also is the co-founder of YSH and Yunus Social Business. Over the last 40 years, he has created a large network of experts across 150 countries who are dedicated to helping solve social issues and improving the lives of millions of people through social business in all major industries.
In 2018, Yunus created the YSH to put this network at the service of the sports sector and help governance bodies, rights holders, event organizers, federations, clubs and other sports-related organizations create meaningful changes in people’s lives. He believes through his global social business movement that social businesses have experience and responsibility in harnessing business tools to tackle big challenges like poverty and the climate crisis.
“Now is the time to structure the E4D movement. Not separately from the esports industry but using the core of its innovative business practices and mechanisms to make E4D financially self-sustainable. Social business should play an essential role in this process.” said Yoan Noguier, co-founder and managing director of YSH.
“Every day we are witnessing the creativity, passion and commitment of the esports community in making an impact,” said Thanos Karagrounas, GEF executive director of strategy and impact. “This joint initiative will capitalize on the experience, reach and network of the two organizations to create the framework and conditions to inspire and mobilize action for E4D.”
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