Jamaine Punzalan

Article (news)

Dyan Castillejo

ABS-CBN News

<div><iframe src="https://cdnapisec.kaltura.com/p/2503451/embedPlaykitJs/uiconf_id/49754663?iframeembed=true&amp;entry_id=1_tk04mfpf&amp;kalturaSeekFrom=0&amp;kalturaClipTo=704&amp;kalturaStartTime=0" style="width:528px;height:297px" allowfullscreen="" webkitallowfullscreen="" mozallowfullscreen="" frameBorder="0" class="fr-draggable"></iframe> Video from United Nations/UN Web TV</div>MANILA — Boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao took the global stage at the United Nations General Headquarters, representing the Philippines in the final stretch of its campaign for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC). The Philippines is seeking one of the available non-permanent seats, with elections set on June 2, 2026. To secure a seat, the country must obtain at least one-third of the votes from the UN’s 198 member states.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/11/marcos-jr-appeals-to-un-member-states-to-support-ph-bid-in-un-security-council-0840">Marcos Jr. appeals to UN member-states to support PH bid in UN Security Council</a></div>Pacquiao delivered on April 8, 2026 a speech centered on sport as a vehicle for diplomacy, youth empowerment, and peacebuilding.“I am deeply honored to be here at the United Nations, a place where nations come together to promote peace, development, and cooperation,” Pacquiao said before representatives of member states.He emphasized the urgency of addressing global youth challenges, noting that “many young people around the world continue to face uncertainty. Poverty persists, opportunities remain uneven… young people are left without direction, vulnerable to violence, crime, and extremism.”Drawing from his personal journey growing up in General Santos City, Pacquiao said, “I was born in poverty, in a community shaped by hardship… I faced a choice: to follow the wrong path or to work hard to support my family. I chose boxing.”“There was a time when I stepped into the ring not for victory, but simply to buy food for my family,” he added, underscoring how sport gave him “discipline, purpose, and hope.”Pacquiao linked his story to broader global realities, stressing that “poverty, exclusion, and limited access to education and employment… create vulnerability and weaken communities,” but can be transformed when addressed early.He positioned sport as a practical solution, saying: “Sport is not only competition or entertainment. It is a platform for inclusion, a space for discipline, and a pathway to opportunity.”“It teaches respect, teamwork, and resilience… the very factors that reduce the appeal of violence and extremist recruitment,” he continued.The event highlighted how sports development initiatives can be more systematically integrated into strategies for youth empowerment, prevention of violence and extremism, and the promotion of inclusive and peaceful societies. It also served as a platform for member states and stakeholders to exchange best practices and explore partnerships.Pacquiao pointed to the Philippine experience, particularly in Mindanao, where “community-based sports activities have helped bring people together, build trust, and support healing in areas affected by conflict.”“The same energy that can be lost to violence can be transformed into strength, discipline, and purpose,” he said.He cited his humanitarian efforts through the Manny Pacquiao Foundation, noting initiatives that “built homes for poor families” and supported communities affected by disasters and vulnerable youth.At the policy level, Pacquiao stressed the importance of opportunity, saying his experience as a legislator reinforced that “when people have access to support services and opportunities, they are less likely to turn to violence.”The address comes amid growing recognition within the United Nations of sport’s role in advancing peace and security objectives, including preventing violent extremism and strengthening social cohesion.Pacquiao called for stronger global cooperation, urging “partnerships among governments, the United Nations, civil society, and the sports community to expand programs that work and reach more young people.”“In the end, this is about giving young people better choices,” he said. “Our task is to ensure that no young person is left without a chance, without a choice.”Closing his speech, Pacquiao delivered a message aligned with the Philippines’ UNSC bid: “Let us work together to strengthen the role of sport as a tool for peace, development, and the prevention of violence and extremism… and ensure that every young person, no matter where they come from, has the chance to choose a better future.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/4/8/manny-pacquiao-takes-center-stage-at-yankee-stadium-1144">Manny Pacquiao takes center stage at Yankee Stadium</a> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/4/4/pacquiao-jr-scores-first-pro-victory-1418">Pacquiao Jr. scores first pro victory </a> <a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/celebrities/2026/4/3/manny-pacquiao-jhong-hilario-jake-ejercito-and-more-celebrities-who-earned-their-master-s-degrees-0800">Manny Pacquiao, Jhong Hilario, Jake Ejercito, and more celebrities who earned their master’s degrees</a></div>

Boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao took the global stage at the United Nations General Headquarters, representing the Philippines in the final stretch of its campaign for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao took the global stage at the United Nations General Headquarters, representing the Philippines in the final stretch of its campaign for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC).

Pacquiao backs PH bid for UN Security Council seat, highlights sport as tool for peace

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Pacquiao backs PH bid for UN Security Council seat, highlights sport as tool for peace

Dyan Castillejo,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 09, 2026 12:27 PM PHT

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Manny Pacquiao

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UN Security Council

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