Ahead of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has appointed Masai Ujiri as a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Advocate. Ujiri, Co-Founder of Giants of Africa and Zaria Group and former Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, joins a group of influential leaders and changemakers who support the Secretary-General in raising global ambition and action to keep the promise of the SDGs. “Sport doesn't just unite people — it breaks down barriers, builds hope, and transforms entire communities. Joining the SDG Advocates is a tremendous honor, and I'm excited to be part of a global movement that empowers youth and drives meaningful change around the world,” Ujiri said after his appointment. The SDG Advocates group is chaired by Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados. Earlier this month, Ujiri’s nonprofit organisation Giants of Africa wrapped their second festival in the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda. Giants of Africa Festival 2025 drew over 20,000 spectators, and brought together 320 youth athletes from 20 African nations for a weeklong celebration of basketball, music, fashion, and culture. Celebrity guests including Kawhi Leonard, and Robin Roberts (who documented her experience for Good Morning America) attended, and chart-topping artists such as Ayra Starr, Uncle Waffles, and Timaya performed. The festival also served as the grand opening of Zaria Court, a state of the art mixed-use sports, entertainment, and cultural district in the heart of Kigali, co-founded by Ujiri.
