Beyond Sport Recommends
77th Session of the UN General Assembly Edition
September 9, 2022
With only eight years to go to reach the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 deadline to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere, Beyond Sport will continue to leverage sport to make the Global Goals a reality.
In recognition of the opening of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly on September 13, read on for some documentary, book, movie and article recommendations aligned to the top five priority SDGs as ranked by public opinion for the World Economic Forum.
#1 - ZERO HUNGER
More than 820 million people – about 10% of the world’s population – regularly go to bed hungry. And according to the World Food Programme (WFP), more than 48 million people are facing emergency levels of hunger, which has only been exacerbated by the pandemic and recent conflicts. Goal 2 sets out to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain's Children (2022)
In 2020, then 23-year-old England and Manchester United star Marcus Rashford took on the British government on a mission to tackle child food poverty in the UK. In Britain, about 2.4 million children live in families who cannot afford the food they need. Along the way, he inspired local businesses, charities, councils and to take up the cause and support struggling families. Watch this behind-the-scenes BBC documentary on his personal experiences with hunger that motivated him to use his platform and ultimately change government policy.
#2 - NO POVERTY
It’s estimated that 7% of the global population will be living in poverty by 2030 - the equivalent of nearly 600 million people. Though global poverty rates had been declining pre-COVID, the pandemic, conflict, climate change and rising inflation disrupted that trend. Goal 1 sets out to eradicate extreme poverty - people living on less than $1.90 per day - ensure equal rights to economic resources and basic services, reduce poverty-related vulnerability to climate change and more.
Bang! Shao Nian [Tough Out] (2020)
In the suburbs of Beijing, a group of impoverished teens' lives are changed through the public benefit project, "Power Baseball." As they live and train together guided by former Chinese national baseball team captain, Sun Lingfeng, their worlds expand far beyond their villages - all the way to the World Series of the Little Pony League. This stunning film brings laughter and tears as it illustrates the struggles of poverty in Asia and how sport can change lives.
#3 - GOOD HEALTH & WELLBEING
According to the World Health Organization, the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide and highlighted the importance of maintaining good health. With a focus on increasing life expectancy, Goal 3 promotes healthy lifestyles, preventative measures and modern, efficient healthcare for all.
The Players' Tribune: Mental Health Awareness Collection
This very personal collection of stories from across the world of sport covers a broad range of mental health experiences in the effort to help end stigmas on mental health. From letters of reflection to podcast to videos, this compilation of first-person reflections is a timely resource as the world grapples with the urgent need to transform how we deal with mental wellbeing.
#4 - CLEAN WATER & SANITATION
2.3 billion people worldwide lack basic hygiene services, including soap and water at home, and 2.2 billion people don’t have safely managed drinking services. Goal 6, therefore, focuses on the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation and ensures safe water for drinking, sanitation and hygiene. Yet again, the pandemic and climate change have brought further awareness to this goal’s needs and importance.
This collection of 25 stories by Lara Einzig beautifully celebrates and visualizes surfing through the eyes of women from Sri Lanka, Mexico, Japan, the United States, the Philippines, Australia, South Africa and more. Through book sales and donations, Einzig is also supporting the Surfrider Foundation’s mission to protect clean water and healthy beaches for all. The words of resilience, empowerment and hope in the book are sure to inspire.
#5 - DECENT WORK & ECONOMIC GROWTH
According to International Labour Organization, the economic crisis caused by the pandemic is expected to contribute to global unemployment of more than 200 million people this year, with women and youth workers being the worst hit. With rising inflation, continued public health emergencies, supply-chain disruptions, conflict and other challenges, financial progress is in jeopardy. Goal 8 promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.
A true classic! Based on the real-life of James J. Bradock, this popular drama follows the American's fairytale journey from poor dock laborer to heavyweight boxing champion of the world. Set during the Great Depression, he loses all of his possessions and savings when the stock market crashes, his career appears to be finished and he is unable to pay the bills, putting his family in danger. But in Cinderella fashion, he rises from the ashes, "carrying the hopes and dreams of the disenfranchised on his shoulders."