World Para Powerlifting joins UN SDG Action Campaign to 'Flip The Script'

Initiative to mobilise community to take action on the Sustainable Development Goals during European Open Championships in Tbilisi 23 Sep 2022
Imagen
The logo of the UN SDG Flip The Script campaign
ⒸUN SDG
By UN SDG and World Para Powerlifting

World Para Powerlifting announced on Friday (23 September) that it is joining the UN SDG Action Campaign, a United Nations Secretary-General initiative hosted by UNDP, and its partners call for action during the Global Week to #Act4SDGs and beyond.  

Taking place on 16 to 25 September, during the high-level UN General Assembly debate in New York, the Global Week to #Act4SDGs aims to bring together organisations and individuals to show world leaders that people all around the world are committed, dedicated, and inspired to take action, achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and 'Flip The Script’ on our future.  

It comes as a recent UN Report reveals that the cascading and interlinked crises we face are putting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in grave danger, highlighting the critical need for accelerated action to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. 

World Para Powerlifting has a history of advancing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals through various activities, including “She Can Lift”, a programme dedicated to improving the gender equity in the sport, and a uniform donation programme operated with Kit Us Out, an initiative providing athletes from developing countries technical competition lifting singlets. 

At the European Open Championships taking place from 24 to 29 September (Saturday to Thursday) in Tbilisi, Georgia, the "Flip The Script" campaign video will be shown between events, campaign branding will be displayed throughout the venue, and athletes will be sharing how they contribute to the SDGs on social media.  

A public stunt to mark the anniversary of the SDGs

World Para Powerlifting will also join a global stunt taking place on 25 September, the anniversary of the Sustainable Development Goals, where we will gather 165 athletes competing at the European Open Championships to "flip the script" and address the themes of the Global Week to #Act4SDGs. 

“World Para Powerlifting’s vision aligns well with the UN SDG Action Campaign with many of our activities contributing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Jorge Moreno, Head of World Para Powerlifting. “Participating in the Global Week to #Act4SDGs that falls alongside the Tbilisi 2022 European Open Championships provides a great opportunity for the competing athletes to contribute and encourage their communities to do so as well!” 

The UN SDG Action Campaign, via its annual Global Week to #Act4SDGs, is calling on the world to "flip the script" on these prevailing narratives, to show that the power is in our hands and that the change we want to see is possible if we work together. 

Marina Ponti, Director of the UN SDG Action Campaign, said that the time is now for all stakeholders – organisations and individuals alike – to come together in solidarity.   

“In these challenging times for the world, the power is in our hands to flip the script on climate, justice and peace - which means rewriting the narrative and reclaiming our future. A future with people and planet in focus. The UN SDG Action Campaign and its partners have shown that we are stronger together as we can mobilise millions of people to bring about positive change,” Ms. Ponti stated. 

“World Para Powerlifting’s participation in the Global Week to #Act4SDGs is a critical component and will add visibility to persons with disabilities through sport, and reach not only the athletes and coaches across the world but their communities and wider society. The SDGs cannot be achieved without everyone’s contribution.” 

Every action counts!

In 2021, the UN SDG Action Campaign counted 100 million actions, and are looking to scale up engagement this year with even more partners across the world joining the Global Week to #Act4SDGs. While taking action may mean a protest for one person it can also mean everything from casting a vote to recycling to purchasing only from socially responsible businesses. These seemingly small changes made by millions of people can bring about the transformative change and better future the SDGs aim to achieve. 

Everyone can take part and share how they #FlipTheScript by registering their SDG actions on THE GLOBAL MAP OF SDG ACTIONS and joining millions of individuals and organisations around the world showcasing their commitment to the SDGs.  

About the UN SDG Action Campaign

The UN Secretary-General established the UN SDG Action Campaign to inspire people and organisations from all backgrounds and every part of the world to take actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The Campaign is hosted and supported by UNDP and is based in Bonn, Germany. Their flagship initiatives include the Global Week to #Act4SDGs and the UN SDG Action Awards.