Boxing legend and former Philippine Senator Manny Pacquiao once again stepped onto the world stage—this time not in the ring, but at the United Nations General Assembly. In a heartfelt video message delivered during the opening ceremony of the United Nations Games on April 3, 2025, Pacquiao championed the power of sports to build peace, understanding, and unity. His message, delivered in New York, struck a global chord and is now gaining momentum across media platforms and international circles.
“More sports, fewer wars,” Pacquiao said, calling on nations to use athletics as a bridge rather than a battlefield. As the only eight-division world champion in boxing history, Pacquiao spoke not just as an athlete but as a humanitarian and global ambassador for peace.
Pacquiao’s Message: From Boxing Ring to Diplomatic Arena
In his remarks, Pacquiao emphasized the following core ideas:
Sports promote solidarity, cooperation, and tolerance across cultures.
Athletic competition replaces hostility with mutual respect.
Unity through sports can contribute to long-term peacebuilding.
“I believe that if more people played sports, there would be fewer wars and less hate in the world,” Pacquiao said in his video speech.
UN Games 2025: A Global Platform for Unity
The UN Games, backed by a United Nations General Assembly resolution, aim to foster:
Physical well-being
Trust among Permanent Missions and UN agencies
Social connection through athletic events and team-building
This year, the Philippines played a special role as part of the organizing committee, further reinforcing its soft diplomacy credentials on the world stage.
Why Pacquiao’s Speech Matters
Manny Pacquiao is more than an athlete. His influence as a senator, philanthropist, and role model makes his call for peace through sports both symbolic and strategic. His speech comes at a time when global conflict, division, and political polarization are intensifying.
His message is particularly relevant in today’s environment where:
Geopolitical tensions continue to rise
Armed conflicts displace millions
Social cohesion is challenged by economic and racial divides
Pacquiao’s universal appeal makes him a unique voice capable of resonating with diverse audiences, from youth in conflict zones to policymakers at the highest levels.
The Role of Sports in Conflict Prevention
Pacquiao’s remarks align with a growing body of global research and policy that points to the value of sports in:
Promoting mental and emotional well-being
Rehabilitating war-torn communities
Bridging ethnic and political divisions
UNICEF, UNESCO, and other global institutions have long advocated for the use of sports in education and diplomacy. The UN Games exemplify these ideals by offering athletes and staff from around the world a peaceful arena to connect.
The Philippines’ Soft Power Play
The Philippines’ involvement in the UN Games extends beyond logistics. It signals the country’s growing engagement in:
Peacebuilding diplomacy
Youth development initiatives
Cultural exchange programs
By placing Pacquiao—one of the country’s most respected public figures—at the center of the opening ceremony, the Philippines underscores its commitment to global unity through sportsmanship.
Celebrity Diplomacy in the Age of Global Conflict
In the modern era, public figures like Pacquiao often play outsized roles in shaping narratives around peace and progress. Much like how Muhammad Ali took political stands in the 1960s and 70s, Pacquiao’s evolution from champion boxer to peace advocate represents:
The integration of sports and diplomacy
The rising influence of athlete-activists
The strategic use of celebrity to advance global causes
Reactions from the International Community
UN officials, diplomats, and global viewers have praised Pacquiao’s message as timely and inspiring. Social media is flooded with hashtags like:
#MoreSportsFewerWars
#PacquiaoForPeace
#UNGames2025
Human rights organizations and youth groups are also calling on other sports figures to follow suit in advocating peace and unity.
From Words to Action: Sports-Based Peace Initiatives
The UN Games are just one of many efforts to channel sports into peacebuilding. Other programs include:
“Football for Peace” initiatives in Africa and the Middle East
Olympic Truce campaigns
Youth sports diplomacy exchanges
Pacquiao’s speech adds momentum to these campaigns by raising public awareness and elevating sports as a legitimate tool for peace.
A Personal Legacy of Humility and Advocacy
Manny Pacquiao’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and responsibility. From his impoverished childhood in General Santos City to becoming one of the most revered sports icons globally, he has always used his platform to uplift others.
His appearance at the UN General Assembly is not his first foray into advocacy. In recent years, he has:
Launched housing projects for the poor
Donated millions to disaster relief efforts
Advocated for children’s education and anti-poverty initiatives
The Power of Sport in a Divided World
The world faces intersecting crises: climate change, conflict, inequality, and disinformation. In this environment, sports offer:
A common language across borders
Moments of shared joy and mutual respect
Platforms for awareness and collective action
Pacquiao’s vision of “more sports, fewer wars” reminds us of what’s possible when we prioritize connection over competition and harmony over hostility.
Conclusion
Manny Pacquiao’s message at the UN General Assembly is more than a speech—it’s a call to action. At a time when the world seems increasingly fragmented, his appeal to unity through sports offers a hopeful alternative path.
By elevating sports as a diplomatic tool, Pacquiao has reminded the world of the values we often forget in conflict: empathy, teamwork, and shared humanity. As the UN Games 2025 unfold, his words will echo far beyond the arena—resonating in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities striving for peace.
