Welcome to the United Nations
Basketball is creating a lasting legacy for a brighter future
Recognizing sport, including sport for persons with disabilities, has an important role to play in the promotion of peace and development, respect for human rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, in particular basketball, given its universal popularity. On 25 August 2023, the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/77/324 proclaiming 21 December as World Basketball Day.
In the resolution, the General Assembly commends Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines for hosting the International Basketball Federation Basketball World Cup 2023 and encourages the relevant authorities to exert every effort to ensure that the Basketball World Cup 2023 will leave a lasting legacy for peace and development around the world. It also encourages everyone everywhere to play, watch, read, discuss or otherwise connect to basketball game, which will be a connection to each other everywhere.
The resolution also invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system, in particular the Division for Inclusive Social Development of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA) of the Secretariat, other international and regional organizations, the private sector and civil society, including non-governmental organizations, individuals and other relevant stakeholders to observe World Basketball Day in an appropriate manner and in accordance with national priorities, and to disseminate the advantages of basketball for all, including through educational and public awareness-raising activities.
In the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, sport is recognized as an important enabler of sustainable development. Sports, the arts and physical activity have the power to change perceptions, prejudices and behaviours, as well as to inspire people, break down racial and political barriers, combat discrimination and defuse conflict.
Basketball impacts global spheres of commerce, peace and diplomacy, and creates a unique space of cooperation, physical movement and an interdependence that allows participants to see each other as human beings first and foremost.
Like many other sports, basketball transcends borders, cultures, and languages. It serves as a unifying force where people from different backgrounds can come together, bond and communicate with each other, creating connections and breaking down barriers, and thereby contributing to peace.
Harlem Globetrotters score for peace
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters brought their basketball skills to the United Nations, where they scored big for its goals of peace, gender equality and the empowerment of youth. Combining an inspirational message with dexterous skills, these players showed the power of teamwork for peace and understanding.
Resources
- General Assembly Resolution on establishing the World Basketball Day (A/RES/77/324)
- General Assembly Resolution on Sport as an enabler of sustainable development (A/RES/77/27)
Related Observances
- International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (6 April)
- World Bicycle Day (3 June)
- International Day of Yoga (21 June)
- World Chess Day (20 July)
- International Youth Day (12 August)
- International Human Solidarity Day (20 December)
- International Year for Sport and Physical Education (2005)
