UEFA RESPECT FORUM 2023: promoting sustainability in European football
Thursday, June 22, 2023
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Frankfurt event on 28 and 29 June to showcase positive practices and demonstrate the game’s power to inspire collective change.
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UEFA will stage its inaugural RESPECT FORUM next week, bringing together 200 industry experts and stakeholders actively advancing social and environmental sustainability across European football.
Streamed live from the German Football Association (DFB) headquarters on 28 and 29 June, the Forum will explore how the game can help "inspire, activate and accelerate collective action". It will also provide a detailed look at the central role sustainability will play at UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany, one year before the tournament kicks off.
Convening for collective action
Showcasing the latest trends, practices and innovations in social and environmental sustainability, the Forum will feature a series of talks, panel discussions and workshops. In addition, on 28 June on the premises of SC Weiss-Blau, a local football club in Frankfurt, sixteen teams will compete for the Unity EURO Cup – a joint UEFA-UNHCR initiative – while the first UEFA #FootbALL awards will recognise inspirational examples of diversity and inclusion within the game in four categories: national associations, leagues, clubs and players.
True to its title, the Forum will gather a diverse range of sustainability individuals and organisations, offering opportunities to forge stronger ties between expert stakeholders – all with the goal of creating a brighter future for sport.
Who will be at the Forum?
Plenary sessions will feature high-level speakers, including UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi, Helena Dalli, European Commissioner for Equality and former France international and coach, Patrick Vieira, as well as representatives from European national associations, leagues and clubs.
Also in attendance will be Nancy Faeser, German Federal Minister of the Interior and Community, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and UEFA EURO 2024 Tournament Director, Philipp Lahm, a FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League winner.
What’s on the UEFA RESPECT FORUM agenda?
From leading practices and trends to football’s environmental footprint, the Forum will delve into five critical topics while providing valuable insights and lessons across the industry.
Creating and driving a positive impact: Football for Refugees
Social and environmental sustainability in football: Leading practices and trends
Football’s role in strengthening equality, diversity and inclusion in Europe
Discrimination in football: How to boot it out
Delivering a sustainable UEFA EURO 2024
You can watch the RESPECT FORUM talks and discussions live on UEFA.com. Tune in from 9.30am CET on Wednesday 28 June at www.uefa.com/sustainability
For more details and insights on our sustainability work, access the latest UEFA RESPECT Report.