“UN Games 2026” kicked off at the initiative of Turkmenistan

On June 12, 2026, the opening ceremony of the “UN Games 2026” was held in a virtual format. It was attended by representatives of member states, the UN Secretariat, and specialized agencies.

This event marked the official start of the third season of the United Nations Games. This initiative was established based on Resolution 78/325, adopted by the UN General Assembly at the initiative of Turkmenistan. The resolution recognizes the Games as an important platform for sports diplomacy, development, and peace.

At the opening of the ceremony, the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN and Chairman of the UN Games Organizing Committee, Mr. Vepa Hajiyev, delivered a speech, noting the growing importance of sports in strengthening friendship, trust, and mutual understanding between peoples.

Also addressing the participants was the Assistant Secretary-General of the UN and Chief Executive Officer of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund, Ms. Rosemary McClean, who highlighted the importance of sports in fostering inclusion, well-being, and unity within the UN community.

During the ceremony, a special video dedicated to the success of the UN Games held in 2025 was shown. More than 800 athletes from over 100 countries and organizations participated in those Games, competing in ten sports.

The UN Games were first held in 2024 in New York, at the initiative of Turkmenistan. At that time, more than 300 athletes representing 85 countries and 18 organizations participated in the inaugural games. Since then, these Games have become one of the largest sports diplomacy initiatives within the UN community.

The 2026 Games will feature competitions in football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, pickleball, chess, running, and yoga. These competitions will provide an opportunity for diplomats, international civil servants, and their family members to develop contacts and strengthen people-to-people ties through sports.

The closing and award ceremony of the UN Games 2026 will take place on July 17, 2026, at the UN headquarters in New York.