Philippines hosts World Basketball Day at UN

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippines hosted the first-ever celebration of World Basketball Day at the United Nations in New York with a roundtable discussion on basketball and peace featuring NBA legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda said that “basketball, transcending borders, cultures, and languages, has emerged as a unifying force globally.

“It fosters connections and breaks down barriers, thereby contributing significantly to peace. This aligns closely with the United Nations’ goals, as the sport’s ability to bring diverse people together mirrors our ideals of unity and cooperation,” Peñaranda said.

The roundtable discussion was also attended by John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame; Prof. David Hollander of New York University and author of the book “How Basketball Can Save the World”; and representatives from the National Basketball Association (NBA), YMCA, and UN member states.

The roundtable discussion followed the adoption of the UN General Assembly on Aug. 25 of a resolution proclaiming Dec. 21 as World Basketball Day. The resolution, co-sponsored by 77 countries, was initiated by the Philippines with main co-sponsors Indonesia, Nicaragua and Peru.