United Nations Games Honorary Ambassadors Programme
1. Introduction
The United Nations Games Honorary Ambassadors Programme is an initiative launched during the Organizing Committee meeting on 7 March 2025. This pilot programme is established in line with United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/78/325, which recognizes the United Nations Games as a platform for sports diplomacy, peace, and international cooperation. The Ambassadors Programme will engage prominent individuals to advocate for the values of the Games, using their influence to enhance visibility and encourage broader participation. Their role will be instrumental in fostering inclusivity, mutual respect, and global solidarity through sports.
2. Objectives
- Promote Sports for Peace and Development: Advocate for sports as a unifying force that bridges cultural and national divides, as emphasized in A/RES/78/325.
- Enhance Visibility of the UN Games: Strengthen the Games’ profile among diverse global audiences.
- Engage Stakeholders: Facilitate partnerships with UN Member States, UN agencies, civil society, and private sector entities.
- Encourage Participation: Inspire greater involvement from diplomatic communities, UN personnel, and the broader international community.
3. Role of UN Games Ambassadors
The Ambassadors will:
- Serve as public representatives and advocates for the Games.
- Encourage diverse participation, particularly from underrepresented groups.
- Take part in key moments of the Games, such as the opening and closing ceremonies.
4. Selection Criteria
Ambassadors will be chosen based on:
- A demonstrated commitment to the values of peace, inclusivity, and sustainable development as reflected in A/RES/78/325.
- A strong personal or professional connection to sports and its role in fostering unity.
- Public influence and the ability to engage broad audiences.
- A track record of advocating for international cooperation and social progress.
5. Implementation Strategy
- Nomination & Selection: Candidates will be identified by the UN Games Organizing Committee based on merit and alignment with the mission of the Games.
- Engagement Plan: Each ambassador will have a structured role in promotional campaigns and advocacy efforts.
- Outreach & Media Strategy: Ambassadors will contribute to awareness campaigns.
- Impact Assessment: The effectiveness of the Ambassadors Programme will be evaluated based on stakeholder feedback.
6. Expected Outcomes
- Increased awareness and participation in the UN Games.
- Stronger connections between diplomatic communities, sports organizations, and civil society.
- Enhanced advocacy for sports as a tool for unity and development.
7. Conclusion
The United Nations Games Honorary Ambassadors Programme, initiated and agreed upon during the Organizing Committee meeting on 7 March 2025, aligns with United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/78/325 and plays a vital role in advancing the mission of the UN Games. By engaging influential figures who embody the spirit of the Games, this initiative will contribute to a lasting legacy of unity, inclusivity, and global engagement through sports.
United Nations Games Honorary Ambassadors
Distinguished champions and sporting leaders who advance the values of peace, trust, inclusion, and international cooperation through sport.
Mr. Albert Pujols
José Alberto Pujols Alcántara is a Dominican professional baseball manager and former first baseman and designated hitter who is the manager of the Leones del Escogido of the Dominican Professional Baseball League. He played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Angels, and Los Angeles Dodgers. Nicknamed “the Machine” (Spanish: La Máquina), Pujols is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
Mr. Manny Pacquiao
Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao Sr. is a Filipino politician, businessman, and former professional boxer. Nicknamed “PacMan,” he is widely regarded as one of the greatest professional boxers of all time. He is the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, has won twelve major world titles, and is the only boxer to hold world championships across four decades.
Mr. Giorgio Chiellini
An Italian professional footballer and one of the best defenders of all time. A UEFA Euro 2020 champion, iconic player, and exemplary sportsman, he embodies teamwork, resilience, and passion. During a career spanning more than two decades, he proudly represented Juventus and the Italian national team, earning numerous titles and the respect of fans worldwide.
Mr. Liu Guoliang
A Chinese table tennis Olympic and World Champion and one of the greatest players and coaches of all time. He was the first Chinese male player to achieve a career Grand Slam across the Olympic Games, World Cup, and World Championships. On 1 December 2018, Liu was elected President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association.
Mr. Dovletjan Yagshymyradov
A Turkmen professional mixed martial artist and one of Turkmenistan’s most accomplished combat sports athletes. A former ACA Light Heavyweight Champion, he has competed at the highest international level, representing Turkmenistan on the global sporting stage. His strength, discipline, and determination make him an inspiring example of sporting excellence and perseverance.
Mr. Alexander Volkov
A Russian professional mixed martial artist and one of the leading heavyweight fighters of his generation. A former Bellator Heavyweight World Champion and M-1 Global Heavyweight Champion, he has competed for many years at the highest international level, including in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Known for his technical skill, professionalism, and sportsmanship, Volkov is a prominent figure in international mixed martial arts.