Oriented on making people closer

The United Nations Headquarters in New York hosted the closing ceremony of the 2025 United Nations Games. The ceremony brought together more than 300 diplomats, athletes, their families and guests of honor, marking the end of the sporting event that took place from April to mid-May this year.

The 2025 Games were dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, as well as the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality. Under the motto "Sport for Peace and Trust", the competition brought together more than 800 participants from over 100 countries, representing various missions to the UN, the Secretariat, specialized agencies and their families.

The event became an important platform for sports diplomacy, giving participants the opportunity to compete in ten sports disciplines, including football, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, basketball, badminton, chess, yoga, running and pickleball.

The closing ceremony was attended by Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of the Games, Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN Ambassador Aksoltan Atayeva and Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination in the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Bjørg Sandkjær. Both speakers praised the Games as a significant example of multilateral unity, inclusiveness and intercultural dialogue within the Organization.

Special video messages to the participants were sent by the UN Games Ambassadors, legendary athletes Giorgio Chiellini and Liu Guoliang, who emphasized the unique ability of sport to overcome borders and build trust between peoples.

During the ceremony, the winners of the competitions in all sports categories were awarded well-deserved cups, medals and special awards.

The Russian Federation received special mention for being awarded the Prize for Sporting Excellence. This special award was established by Turkmenistan in honor of the 30th anniversary of its neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust and is awarded for outstanding achievements in various sports.

The Ambassador Champion Award, symbolizing the unifying spirit of the Games and recognizing unique participation, was presented to Ambassador Taher El Sonny (Libya) and Ambassador Khaled Khiari (Tunisia).

The ceremony also included speeches from young athletes – two-time junior tennis champion Milana Yarashuk and Kamal Mamedaliyev from the Central Asia & Beyond children’s team – who shared their reflections on the emotional impact of the Games and the inspiration they brought to a new generation.

The Closing Ceremony, which was broadcast live on UN Web TV, was a reminder of the UN Games' continuing legacy. With each iteration, the Games continue to foster friendship, mutual respect and cooperation, turning ideals of peace and trust into reality on the sports field.

More results, a replay of the broadcast and event highlights are available at unitednationsgames.org and here.

ORIENT

Photo: un.mission.gov.tm