Signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 'Sports for Climate Action Framework'
FC Tokyo has signed the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) 'Sports for Climate Action Framework.' The commitment letter is signed by President and CEO Shigeya Kawagishi.
The 'Sports for Climate Action Framework' is an international initiative that leverages the power of sports to advance climate change measures. Signatory organizations are required to develop and implement strategies toward net zero, collaborate with stakeholders, promote behavioral change through communication, and strengthen resilience and solidarity against climate change.
With this signing, FC Tokyo has become the first J League club to declare participation in this international framework.
Significance of Signing the 'Sports for Climate Action Framework'
FC Tokyo has been advancing social collaboration activities and environmental actions in its hometown, Tokyo, under the club's social statement, "Goals Connected to the Future of Our Lives". This signing marks a step to elevate those practices to international standards and further enhance the club's responsibility and communication power.
Climate change is a serious social issue that directly affects the everyday enjoyment of sports. The impacts of extreme heat, heavy rain, and typhoons pose challenges not only to creating a safe environment where children can enjoy playing soccer but also to the experiences of fans and supporters gathering at the stadium. FC Tokyo will leverage the influence of football (sports) to expand positive actions from Tokyo together with local communities, municipalities, partner companies, and fans and supporters.
Additionally, FC Tokyo, based on its Sustainability Strategy, will focus not only on reducing environmental impact but also on promoting behavioral change in its hometown and co-creating social value. Taking this signing as an opportunity, the club will further advance initiatives in match operations and club activities, while working to create opportunities through communication and dialogue for more people to perceive climate action as their own responsibility.
FC Tokyo will continue to take on challenges through the power of sports to connect a better global environment and everyday life in Tokyo for future children.
What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change 'Sports for Climate Action Framework'?
This framework was established at COP24 (the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) in 2018, through collaboration between the UNFCCC and the IOC (International Olympic Committee), with the aim of uniting the sports world to take collective action toward achieving a net-zero society.
Signatory organizations are required to act based on four principles, which include formulating and implementing strategies toward net zero, collaborating with stakeholders to reduce emissions, and promoting behavioral change through communication.
About the Four Principles
1. Formulate and implement a net zero climate strategy
2. Implement climate change measures utilizing partnerships
3. Communication to promote transformation on climate change
4. Strengthen resilience to climate change and international solidarity
The official site of the "Sports for Climate Action Framework" is here
Comments from Related Parties
TOKYO FOOTBALL CLUB CO., LTD
President and CEO Shigeya Kawagishi
"This signing is a significant step in connecting our social statement and sustainability strategy to the international framework for climate action. Together with our fans, supporters, partners, local governments, and communities, we will continue to take concrete actions from Tokyo and create a better future through the power of sports."
United Nations Global Climate Action (UN Climate Change Global Climate Action)
Lead Sectoral Initiatives Lead Lindita Xhaferi-Salihu
“Today, we are excited to welcome FC Tokyo to Sports for Climate Action.
As the first club in the J.League to join this global effort, FC Tokyo is setting a powerful example of leadership on and off the pitch.
Rooted in community, discipline and respect for the future, this step reflects the true spirit of Japanese football.
By joining hundreds of clubs, leagues and teams in the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action family, we look forward to seeing FC Tokyo show what is possible when a club leads with purpose, engaging its partners, its community, its city, and more importantly, its athletes and fans in doing their part to create a safer, resilient and prosperous future.
To clubs across Japan and beyond, we invite you to follow FC Tokyo’s lead. Together we can build something bigger than the game itself.
Let’s move forward as one, protecting the game we love and the planet we share.
Thank you very much.”
“Today, we are very pleased to welcome FC Tokyo to the 'Sports for Climate Action Framework.'”
FC Tokyo, the first club in the J.League to participate in this global initiative, has set a great example of leadership both on and off the pitch.
This step, rooted in community, discipline, and respect for the future, reflects the passion of Japanese football.
Together with clubs, leagues, and teams participating in the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) promoted 'Sports for Climate Action Framework,' we expect FC Tokyo to take the lead with a clear purpose, involving partners, the community, the hometown, and above all, athletes and fans, to demonstrate what is possible in creating a safer, more resilient, and prosperous future.
To all clubs across Japan and around the world, please follow FC Tokyo’s lead. Together, we can build something greater than the framework of sports itself.
Let us unite and move forward to cherish our planet and protect the environment where the sports we love can be played.
Thank you very much.
(Translated by FC Tokyo)
