Pacquiao tells UN dignitaries: Give youth better future through sports

UNITED NATIONS, New York — World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao called on world leaders to give the youth opportunities for a better future during his speech at the United Nations (UN) in New York City.

Pacquiao delivered the statement Wednesday (New York time) at the "Sports for Youth Empowerment and Prevention of Violent Extremism" event at the United Nations.

The Filipino boxing icon shared his life story—from growing up in poverty in General Santos City to becoming a globally recognized boxing champion.

He emphasized that sports changed his life by giving him discipline, direction, and hope.

Pacquiao also shared experiences from the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, where community-based sports programs have helped build trust, promote peace, and strengthen unity in areas affected by conflict.

At the global level, Pacquiao called for stronger collaboration among governments, the United Nations, and other sectors to expand sports programs for youth.

He urged everyone to invest in young people and ensure they have access to opportunities, guidance, and support so they can choose a better future and avoid the path of violence and extremism.

"Today, there are many young people around the world waiting for that same opportunity. They need support. They need guidance. They need a path forward. We must not fail them," Pacquiao said.

"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," the Filipino boxing icon said.

According to the United Nations, young people across many regions live in conditions of poverty, marginalization, and limited access to education and employment. They remain particularly vulnerable to recruitment by violent extremist groups and involvement in crime and violence.

These structural conditions, compounded by social exclusion and lack of opportunity, create environments where the youth may be drawn toward destructive pathways, with implications for peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Pacquiao served as a United Nations Games Ambassador last year.

He was invited by the Philippine Mission to the United Nations to be a key speaker at the event, which forms part of the Philippines' campaign for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, with voting scheduled on June 3, 2026. — VDV, GMA News