The lights went out at UEFA's headquarters in Nyon on Saturday – but all for a good cause.

European football's governing body gave its backing to social responsibility partner WWF – the global conservation organisation – by taking part in the WWF Earth Hour to highlight the issue of climate change and protecting the environment we live in.

UEFA joined in the campaign being organised by the WWF network across the globe. Consequently, the lights at the House of European Football in Nyon, on the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, were switched off for one hour from 20.30CET on Saturday.

The global community – from cities to organisations, individuals and groups – came out in force throughout Europe and other parts of the world to unite in showing support for the safeguarding of the planet.

Moreover, the WWF "I Will If You Will" initiative invited Earth Hour followers to convince friends, family and colleagues to commit themselves to a single act that would positively impact the world we live in – for example, walking to work instead of driving.

Founded in 1961, WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organisations, with a global network active in more than 100 countries focused on protecting the planet's extraordinary wildlife species and habitats.