UNDP’s new campaign promotes inclusion and cyber safety among youth

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Bangladesh, in partnership with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and the ICT Division, launched the 'One Field, Many Voices' campaign at Sir John Wilson School in Dhaka on Tuesday to promote diversity, inclusion and digital safety through the power of sport.

The event marked the first of two school activations under the nationwide awareness campaign led by UNDP's Partnerships for a More Tolerant, Inclusive Bangladesh (PTIB) project. National women's footballers, diplomats, pupils and educators came together to raise awareness about cyberbullying, online hate and the role of sport in uniting diverse communities across Bangladesh.

The campaign builds on a recent PTIB social listening study that analysed over ten thousand online comments about women's football. The findings show that female athletes have emerged as symbols of inclusion, breaking stereotypes, inspiring girls and transforming national pride into a shared force that transcends religion and ethnicity.

Tabith Mohammed Awal, President of the BFF, emphasised awareness around digital harassment, saying, 'Just like on the football pitch, in life and online we face challenges. Whatever happens on the internet, we can manage and resolve it — especially online harassment — by seeking help or offering help.'

Håkon Arald Gulbrandsen, Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh, said, 'Through UNDP's PTIB, supported by Norway, we have seen how sport, and the Bangladesh Women's Football Team in particular, can turn digital spaces from places of division into platforms of pride, inclusion and resilience.'

Sabrina Shaheed, Principal of Sir John Wilson School, noted, 'Inclusion is at the heart of who we are. Sport allows our pupils to live that value — to play together, respect one another and celebrate the strength that comes from diversity.'

Dragan Popvic, Senior Programme Adviser at UNDP Bangladesh, said, 'Sport needs no language, just a ball and the will to play. These young athletes remind us that teamwork, courage and respect can unite us both on the pitch and online.'

Md Abu Sayed, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC), ICT Division, reaffirmed the government's commitment to combating digital harms and promoting inclusion through initiatives such as PTIB.

National women's footballers Ritu Porna Chakma, Monika Chakma and Matsusima Sumaiya shared personal stories of resilience against digital harassment. The event concluded with a friendly football match and a pledge to stand against online abuse and promote digital empathy.

By combining football, youth voices and digital awareness, 'One Field, Many Voices' aims to reach thousands of students and millions online — showing that when diversity plays together, unity wins.