MANILA, Philippines — Boxing legend and former senator Manny Pacquiao called on leaders of the world to give young people opportunities for a better future at the United Nations on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila).
During the UN’s Sports for Peace and Development: Leveraging Sport for Youth Empowerment and Prevention of Violent Extremism, Pacquiao said that young people were facing uncertainties around the world.
“We gather today at a time when many young people around the world continue to face uncertainties. Poverty persists and opportunities remain uneven. In too many places, young people are left without direction, vulnerable to violence, crime, and extremism, and I have seen these challenges up close,” Pacquiao said in the meeting, citing his childhood in General Santos City.
Pacquiao added that sport gave him discipline, purpose and hope, as he said that as a boxer, he stepped on the ring, it was for the sake of feeding his family.
“In the Philippines, including Mindanao, we have seen how sport can contribute to peace-building. Community-based sports activities helped bring people together, build trust, and support healing in areas affected by conflict. They created opportunities for dialogue and inclusion for strengthening unity in helping prevent violence,” he said.
Pacquiao, who served as senator from 2016 to 2022, said young people needed support, guidance, and a path forward.
“Let us work together to strengthen the role of sport as a tool for peace, development, and the prevention of violence and extremism. Let us invest in our youth and expand opportunities for them to grow and succeed. And let us ensure that every young person, no matter where they come from, has the chance to choose a better future,” he said.
Before coming to the UN, Pacquiao threw the ceremonial first pitch with the New York Yankees against the California-based Athletics team, where the home team won, 5-3.
