Global Esports Federation strengthens commitment to a sustainable digital future for all at SDG Digital Summit 2024

Initiatives focused on digital skills development, increasing inclusion, connectivity, and empowering youth – key to advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Global Esports Federation proudly reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the UN Summit of the Future, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event brought together global leading voices from diverse sectors, showcasing how innovation and digital solutions are vital in creating an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe, and secure digital future for all.

Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), SDG Digital highlighted key global commitments aimed at fast-tracking the SDGs through digital innovation.

Paul J. Foster, GEF CEO, speaking at ‘A Digital Future for All, The Hope of Digital’ session

Paul J. Foster, CEO of the Global Esports Federation, emphasized the importance of youth empowerment and digital acceleration during the event. GEF was honored by an invitation from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to join a high-level discussion on “A Digital Future for All, The Hope of Digital”. During this discussion, Paul highlighted how esports is uniquely positioned to engage 3.2 billion connected people globally. Additionally, GEF underscored the opportunity to reach and empower the 2.6 billion people who remain disconnected, unlocking immense potential to inspire social impact on a massive scale.

GEF’s Pledge to Digital Inclusion and Empowerment

At the SDG Digital, GEF joined forces with global leaders and organizations to make significant pledges as part of the ITU’s Partner2Connect Digital Coalition. The GEF committed to accelerated initiatives for digital skills development, greater inclusion, connectivity, and youth empowerment in its #Elevate2030 Program. This initiative aligns with the GEF’s overarching vision of promoting the credibility, legitimacy, and prestige of esports while ensuring no one is left behind in the digital revolution.

Youth and Innovation: The Power of Esports

Paul J. Foster, GEF CEO (left), with winners of the Pioneers Youth Award – Deepak Majeethia and Ananyaa Dave (TorchIt), and ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin (far right)

A key highlight of SDG Digital was the SDG Digital GameChangers Awards, where GEF’s CEO Paul J. Foster presented the Pioneers Youth Award, recognizing TorchIt’s Jyoti AI: Seeing with Sound, an AI-powered smart glasses project supporting visually impaired individuals globally. Paul reiterated the transformative power of esports in shaping an inclusive future, stating, “Esports is not just about gaming; it’s a global connector, empowering youth, and a force for driving innovation.”

A Global Commitment to Sustainable Development

The GEF is also a member of the SDG Digital Advisory Group convened by ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin, working alongside UN system organizations and prominent international organizations like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce to address global challenges through digital technology. The GEF remains committed to creating a safer and more connected digital world, leveraging the power of gaming and esports to inspire change and accelerate progress toward achieving the SDGs.

While total pledges announced at SDG Digital exceeded USD 1.05 billion, the event reinforced the global commitment to building inclusive digital public infrastructure, accelerating connectivity, and advancing digital skills. GEF’s participation at the event reaffirms its role in the digital space, actively contributing to the global movement for sustainable, inclusive digital transformation