Philippines Hosts First-Ever Celebration of World Basketball Day at the United Nations

NBA legend Julius “Dr.J” Erving speaks at the Philippines-organized roundtable on “Basketball and Peace: A Conversation with Julius “Dr. J” Erving” on 21 December 2023 at the UN Headquarters in New York. (Photo credit: UN WebTV)

NEW YORK 27 December 2023 – The Philippines hosted the first-ever celebration of World Basketball Day at the United Nations in New York on 21 December 2023 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,” DPR Peñaranda emphasized.

The roundtable discussion was also attended by Mr. 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.

“Dr. J’s grace and skill, both on and off the court, have made him not just an American icon but a beloved figure in basketball worldwide. His participation today highlights the role of basketball in bringing communities together and inspiring people across the world. To all basketball lovers, this day is a testament to our shared passion for the game and its ability to connect us and build bridges towards peace,” DPR Peñaranda emphasized.

The roundtable discussion followed the adoption of the UN General Assembly on 25 August 2023 of a resolution proclaiming 21 December as World Basketball Day. The resolution, co-sponsored by 77 countries, was also initiated by the Philippines with main co-sponsors Indonesia, Nicaragua and Peru.

The resolution accorded basketball the first team sport to be recognized by the United Nations with its own international day. 

The historic resolution recognizes basketball's global presence and its impact in commerce, peace, and diplomacy. It celebrates the sport's power to unite people, transcend cultural barriers, and foster a spirit of cooperation.

“In the Philippines, basketball is not just a sport; it is embedded in our national identity,” DPR Peñaranda emphasized.

He added that on the historic adoption of the World Basketball Day resolution at the UN, games for the 2023 FIBA World Cup of Basketball also went underway in three major cities in Asia – in Manila, Jakarta, and Tokyo. END

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.