The Global Esports Federation and Yunus Sports Hub (YSH) have established a partnership focused on social issues and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Agenda. 

The upcoming Istanbul 2022 Global Esports Games in December 2022, will act as the major launch pad for the initiative, showcasing successful programs and sharing inspiring stories from the entire #worldconnected community, said Yunus Centre on Sunday. 

The primary aim of the Esports for Development (E4D) movement is to accelerate the contribution of the global esports community and industry to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  

"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," said Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chairman, Yunus Sports Hub

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 a reality, he said.

“We are honored and proud to team up with Professor Muhammad Yunus and the Yunus Sports Hub in this journey," said Chris Chan, President of the Global Esports Federation.

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Together, the GEF and YSH will provide a platform to identify, build capacity and accelerate the development of impactful and financially sustainable initiatives based on the social business model, pioneered by 2006 Peace Nobel Laureate and Olympic Laurel awardee Professor Muhammad Yunus.

“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," said Yoan Noguier, Co-founder & Managing Director, Yunus Sports Hub.

"Social business should play an essential role in this process. We are very excited to join forces with the Global Esports Federation and together, build this framework."

"Every day we are witnessing the creativity, passion, and commitment of the esports community in making an 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,” said Thanos Karagrounas, GEF Executive Director, Strategy & Impact.