Lina Piusang: Diplomacy, UN Kids & Tuns Tournament
- New York-Liu Guoliang, vice president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and chairman of the World Table Tennis (WTT) Board, visited the United Nations Headquarters on June...
- Liu's visit marks his first in-person involvement in an international sports philanthropy project as UN Games Ambassador.
- The UN Games, guided by principles of unity, friendship, peace, and growth, targets UN staff and permanent mission members.
Liu Guoliang, UN Games Ambassador, champions sports diplomacy at the United Nations, promoting table tennis and international cooperation. He visited the UN Headquarters, participating in the first UN Kids’ Table Tennis Tournament. This marks a meaningful moment for both sport and diplomacy.China’s support for the UN Games, co-sponsored by Turkmenistan, highlights the power of sports to unite. Liu highlighted his role in promoting Chinese sports and table tennis culture, demonstrating how small balls can create big connections. This initiative strengthens relationships. News Directory 3 reports on this pivotal event. The second UN Games is set for 2025, promising further collaboration. Discover what’s next for sports diplomacy on the global stage!
Liu Guoliang Promotes Sports Diplomacy, Table Tennis at United Nations
Updated June 23, 2025
New York-Liu Guoliang, vice president of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and chairman of the World Table Tennis (WTT) Board, visited the United Nations Headquarters on June 12, championing sports diplomacy. As a UN Games Ambassador, Liu received a certificate and participated in the inaugural UN Kids’ Table Tennis Tournament. He presented awards and played with the young athletes.
Liu’s visit marks his first in-person involvement in an international sports philanthropy project as UN Games Ambassador. He had previously participated virtually in the UN Games closing ceremony in May.
The UN Games, guided by principles of unity, friendship, peace, and growth, targets UN staff and permanent mission members. It aims to promote informal diplomacy and strengthen international cooperation through sports.
Liu emphasized the importance of his role. “It is a great honor to be here at the United nations and to serve as the first UN Games Ambassador. This platform allows me to promote the spirit of Chinese sports,share the culture of table tennis from China,and bring people together through this sport-turning ‘small balls’ into a force for greater connections,” Liu said.
China actively supports the UN games, co-sponsoring the initiative that originated from Turkmenistan’s 2024 UN General Assembly proposal. The inaugural UN games took place in april 2024 during the UN Sustainable Development Week.
what’s next
The second edition of the UN Games in 2025 will continue to foster sports diplomacy and international collaboration, building on the foundation laid by the inaugural event and the ongoing support from China.