1GOAL

Oct 12th, 2009 2:07 PM EST
By David Cole

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown with Queen Rania al Abdulllah of Jordon and famous faces from the football world at the 1GOAL global campaign launch in London © 1GOAL

Last week 1GOAL held its global launch, with an event hosted in London by 1GOAL co-chair Queen Rania of Jordan and UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown. They were joined by a variety of speakers via satellite including FIFA President Sepp Blatter in Zurich, President Zuma in South Africa, Prime Minister Zapatero in Madrid, as well as a special message from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

The football World Cup, taking place next year in South Africa, is the world’s biggest single sporting event. It is a moment when millions will come together to share the passion of football. The 1GOAL campaign, a partner to ONE, aims to ensure that the lasting legacy of the tournament is that every child can be learning in school by 2015.

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa talked about the importance of education and said “We support the footballers and their fans in calling on all world leaders to do their part to ensure every child can go to school. We need to see action at the World Cup and beyond. By acting now, together we can ensure education for all.”

1GOAL is supported by some of the leading members of the football world and its governing body, FIFA. England international footballer Rio Ferdinand said, “Children from every country deserve a chance at a better life and we want our leaders to make sure they get the education they need to break the cycle of poverty. Musicians have led influential campaigns against poverty; it’s time for the football world to do our part.”

P.S.– Check out photos from the global launch here.

TAGS: 1GOAL, 2010 World Cup, Africa, Education