Zico welcomed by the UN, Flamengo seek recognition for the Nation | OneFootball

The greatest idol in Flamengo’s history, Zico was at the UN this Monday (13)

Flamengo ambassador Zico, representing the Nation of more than 45 million supporters, was received this Monday (13) at the United Nations in New York by the Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, Melissa Fleming. On the occasion, the club’s greatest red-and-black idol presented the executive with a publication portraying the strength of the club and its fan base, a cultural reference point in Brazil.

In its effort to become a Nation, Flamengo joined the ‘Football for the Goals’ program, an initiative that mobilizes sport in support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), continuing the campaign for the Nation to be recognized as the world’s first Symbolic-Cultural Nation. During the meeting, Zico received the certificate confirming the club’s entry into the project.

On the occasion, Melissa Fleming announced Zico as the new ‘Champion’ of the initiative and presented him with the official scarf, a symbol awarded to the program’s ambassadors. The star, the first Brazilian to receive the honor, now joins a select group of football personalities who use their platforms to inspire fans and the sports community, while also promoting environmental and human rights issues.

WHAT DID THE UN SAY?

— Flamengo joining Football for the Goals reinforces the potential of South American football — and Brazil in particular — as a powerful platform for social mobilization and positive transformation — said Melissa Fleming, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications.

— By bringing one of the most influential clubs in the world into this global initiative, we are strengthening a movement that connects passion for the game with the urgent need to advance the Sustainable Development Goals and build a fairer, more inclusive and sustainable world for all — she added.

SO WHAT DID ZICO SAY?

The greatest idol in the history of Flamengo, Zico celebrated the recognition given by the UN. Galinho understands the symbolism of the connection between sport, leadership and social impact, reinforcing the role of sports idols as role models capable of mobilizing millions of people around development.

— Flamengo sees its fan base as a central asset in building the brand, but also as a force capable of generating real impact in society. Being at the UN today, making our commitment to Football for the SDGs official, is recognition of Flamengo’s stature and responsibility. The club already develops initiatives aligned with these principles and, from now on, is expanding its work by connecting with a global agenda — said Flávia da Justa, Communications Director at Flamengo.

SO, WHAT DOES THE FLAMENGO-UN PARTNERSHIP LOOK LIKE?

Attentive to global agendas and aware of the transformative role it plays in society, Flamengo is now working in partnership with the UN to use the power of football as a tool for social impact. The club already develops initiatives aligned with the 17 SDGs, with projects aimed at reducing inequalities, promoting health and well-being, and quality education, in addition to fighting racism, a theme that in Brazil has gained the status of the 18th goal on the sustainable development agenda. All of these initiatives are portrayed in the book that Flamengo presented to the UN.

Thus, Flamengo’s presence at the UN marks another step in consolidating the club as a global impact platform that goes beyond sport. By mobilizing millions of people around relevant causes, Flamengo demonstrates the strength of the Nation, with its 45 million supporters, in the movement for its recognition as the world’s first symbolic-cultural Nation.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.