Rabat – The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Morocco 2030 Foundation signed a partnership agreement today to make sports a driver of education, inclusion, and social cohesion.
The agreement, which covers the period from 2025 to 2030, aims to build on Morocco’s growing role as a host of major sporting events, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), the U-17 Women’s World Cup (2025-2029), and the World Cup 2030.
This is the first agreement by the Morocco 2030 Foundation focusing on the social and educational impact of sport, says UNESCO in a press release. It marks an important step in the foundation’s efforts to promote sustainable development across Moroccan regions.
“Together with the Morocco 2030 Foundation, we are making sport a force for education and inclusion,” said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO.
“Through such initiatives, we will turn the energy of major events held in the Kingdom into long-lasting benefits for young people and local communities,” Azoulay added.
Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Morocco 2030 Foundation, stated that the partnership reflects the vision of King Mohammed VI, as it aims to “strengthen the role of sport, and football in particular, as a tool for sustainable development and social inclusion.”
The first initiative under this partnership, titled “From Stadiums to Communities: Sport as a Driver of Change,” will be funded by UNESCO and implemented with the Morocco 2030 Foundation.
It will aim to create a lasting social legacy from the AFCON2025 through three main activities, including Community tournaments under the theme “AFCON of Citizenship,” a national campaign called “Values of Sport,” and a festival named “Equality and Development through Sport,” featuring a special focus on young girls and women.
As the lead UN agency for physical education and sport, UNESCO will support the Foundation in developing this model that connects sport, education, and sustainable development.
