Pacquiao urges UN to promote peace through sports

Boxing Hall of Famer Manny Pacquiao addressed the United Nations General Assembly at the opening ceremony of the 2025 UN Games, advocating for peace through sports.

Pacquiao emphasized that sports can reduce conflicts and promote unity among people from different backgrounds, urging the UN to permanently implement the Olympic truce.

He highlighted the role of sports in fostering cooperation, solidarity, tolerance, and understanding to contribute to global peace and development, citing examples such as his own boxing career and the South Sudan basketball team's journey to the Paris Olympics.

The Philippines is part of the organizing committee for the event, which aims to enhance unity, trust, and physical well-being among UN personnel.

Pacquiao called on more people to engage in sports to build connections and break down barriers, reminding them that every time he stepped into the ring, he fought not just for a title but also for his country.