Ex-Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri gets United Nations honour
It’s not every day the Toronto Raptors get mentioned by the United Nations, but that was the case during Thursday’s press briefing.
Former Raptors president Masai Ujiri has been appointed as a “sustainable development goal advocate” by UN secretary-general António Guterres.
“Mr. Ujiri uses basketball as a transformative tool to create opportunities for youth across Africa and beyond,” said Stéphane Dujarric, UN spokesperson for the Secretary-General.
Ujiri is being recognized for his work as the co-founder of Giants of Africa, which uses basketball as a tool to inspire “tomorrow’s African leaders to make lasting change in their communities and around the world.”
Ujiri joins a group with the UN that includes the prime minister of Barbados and the queen of Belgium, among other dignitaries, in the sustainable development goal advocate group.
“Sport doesn’t just unite people — it breaks down barriers, builds hope, and transforms entire communities,” said Ujiri. “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.”
Ujiri has been without an NBA team since the Raptors let him go in June. The 55-year-old Nigerian spent 12 years in Toronto, rising through the ranks and building a team that captured the Raptors’ first-ever NBA championship in 2019.
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