Ujiri, a prominent voice in sport and youth empowerment, joins Muniba Mazari, a Pakistani advocate for inclusion and disability rights, in the latest cohort of influential leaders tasked with accelerating global progress on the 17 SDGs.
'The SDG Advocates play a vital role in inspiring global action and ambition to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,' Guterres said. 'I am pleased to welcome Mr. Masai Ujiri and Ms. Muniba Mazari to this distinguished group of leaders.'
Through his non-profit organisation Giants of Africa, Ujiri has long used basketball as a platform to inspire young people, break down barriers, and provide opportunities across the continent.
Most recently, the Giants of Africa festival was staged in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2 2025, bringing together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations. The festival was also a major public spectacle, drawing an estimated 20,000 spectators.
At the 2025 edition of Giants of Africa in Kigali, Masai Ujiri also unveiled Zaria Court, a state-of-the-art sports complex designed to promote youth development, gender equality, and community engagement.
Beyond providing a space for basketball and recreation, the facility is envisioned as a hub for education, leadership training, and social impact initiatives, directly contributing to several Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, good health and well-being, and reduced inequalities.
Reflecting on his appointment, Ujiri said: 'Sport doesn't just unite people â€" it breaks down barriers, builds hope, and transforms entire communities. Joining the SDG Advocates is a tremendous honour, and I'm excited to be part of a global movement that empowers youth and drives meaningful change around the world.'
Mazari, widely known as the 'Iron Lady of Pakistan,' has inspired millions through her personal journey and her tireless advocacy for disability rights, inclusion, and gender equality.
'Inclusion is not a privilege; it is a right. I am proud to be an SDG Advocate and to elevate the voices of those who are often unheard,' she said.
The Secretary-General praised the pair's dedication and highlighted the importance of their work in advancing the SDGs, particularly in areas of youth empowerment, inclusion, and social transformation.
The SDG Advocates, chaired by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, bring together a diverse group of global leaders, from royalty and heads of foundations to business executives, entertainers, and activists.
Current members include Queen Mathilde of Belgium, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser of Qatar, Graça Machel, Jeffrey Sachs, Lilly Singh, and Microsoft President Brad Smith, among others.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/un-appoints-masai-ujiri-to-champion-sustainable-development-goals
