The Esports for Development initiative is a partnership between Yunus Sports Hub and Global Esports Federation. Now the initiative is announcing a new development program that supports innovative projects that promote gaming for social impact. The program will primarily focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and, more specifically, SDG#5 on Gender Equality.
Yoan Noguier, co-founder and managing director of Yunus Sports Hub said, “We believe that esports can be and is a powerful tool to promote gender equality and want to identify, nurture, and scale projects that are already making this happen. Combining funding with the principles of social business, we believe we can help accelerate the contribution of the global esports community and industry to major social issues and the UN SDGs.”
“Esports can be a powerful force for good,” states Global Esports Federation executive director of strategy and impact Thanos Karagrounas. “We are committed to creating a safe, healthy, and inclusive esports ecosystem, supporting innovative projects that contribute to the UN SDGs, leveraging the power of gaming and esports for positive social impact.”
Funding for projects working with women
The development program also aims to foster Esports for Development’s commitment to a healthy, safe and inclusive esports community. Individuals and organisations can submit their projects to the Esports for Development initiative for consideration. The chosen project will have the chance to receive funding and support from partners. All projects must be submitted by June 16th.
To qualify for the Esports for Development initiative’s development program, a project must either focus on gender equality or work with women. Projects submitted to the program include Able Gamers, Greening the Beast and Raising Good Gamers.
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.
