Pop quiz: where do custom Arwa Al Banawi outfits, soccer and environmental change come together? At the Global Goals World Cup, of course! Saudi Arabia sent its very best to the first edition of the activist football tournament for women, which aims to raise awareness for critically important issues like hunger, poverty and climate change. Saudi Arabia’s hijab-clad all-girls football team marched into Copenhagen in custom Arwa Al Banawi outfits printed on the back with ‘WE ARE A KINGDOM’ in capital letters as well as Arabic calligraphy. What a way to make a statement!
The Saudi soccer squad arrives in Copenhagen. Courtesy of Instagram | @arwaalbanawi
Known as the Greens Team at the tournament, they chose to take up the mantle of Life on Land– to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
On their Instagram, the team spoke out about their experience at the tournament. “It was the first time for us to participate in the GGWCup. We met teams from all around the world who came to join forces to achieve sustainable development goals. Some worked to reduce inequalities, others worked for green energy, and we worked for Life on Land. What was important was to see the power of sports bringing nations together for peace, working for our earth, and sharing experiences,” they said in a statement on their account.
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