A slam dunk for the youth month

In a thrilling fusion of sport, purpose, and passion, the United Nations in South Africa joined forces with the Basketball Africa League (BAL) for its electrifying final at SunBet Arena at Time Square. This was not just to witness world-class athleticism, but to underscore the powerful role of sports in driving sustainable development and social change.

The UN in South Africa, through its partnership with BAL and commitment to promoting sports for development, made a powerful and inclusive impact by donating 1,000 tickets to schoolchildren and youth from diverse communities, including aspiring young athletes from basketball associations across Gauteng Province. These tickets were far more than passes to a game; they were gateways to inspiration, inclusion, and possibility. For many, stepping into the atmosphere of the prestigious SunBet Arena was a first, a moment that transformed distant dreams into tangible experiences and offered a rare sense of belonging in a popular sporting environment.

The UN Resident Coordinator and also head of the UN in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, was present and actively took part in promoting the Substantiable Development Goals. His presence reinforced the message that the global goals are not just distant ideals, but tangible commitments that involve community engagement, collective participation and youth empowerment.

Adding to the significance of the occasion was the presence of UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) volunteers, who graciously joined the outreach and offered on-the-ground support and engagement. Dressed in their recognizable blue, the volunteers were more than symbolic participants, they were actively involved in guiding youth and encouraging meaningful conversation.  

Over the course of two unforgettable days, from 6 to 7 June, the SunBet Arena pulsed with energy, purpose, and possibility. The event was a bold call to action, urging young people to recognize their own potential as drivers of change, while also challenging broader society to invest in inclusive, transformative experiences that reach those often left behind. 

I’ve witnessed firsthand how sports like basketball can transform lives and communities. That’s why I urge the United Nations to invest in sports capacity building programs, such as the Junior NBA, to harness the full potential of athletics as a tool for global development. Basketball is more than a game, it is a vehicle for change. Though underrated in some regions, the success of initiatives like the Basketball Africa League (BAL) proves its power to unite people across borders, cultures, and backgrounds. 

- Joseph Kazembe Former Vikings/ Jump Academy Player University of Johannesburg

Rooted in the spirit and values of the 17 SDGs, the initiative stood as a compelling example of how partnerships, purposeful outreach, and the universal language of sport can break down barriers, uplift communities, and help shape a more just, equal, and sustainable future for all.

Through this sports initiative, the UN amplified key SDGs that included: good health and well-being, which promotes mental, physical, and emotional health through sport; quality education which engages schools and encourages life-long learning beyond traditional classrooms.; reduced inequalities by making global events accessible to under-represented communities; and partnerships through collaboration with BAL, UNICEF, and local youth networks.