Rome – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has appointed the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters as Global Goodwill Ambassadors recognizing the US team’s dedication to raising awareness about food insecurity, food waste, and the importance of healthy diets.

On Sunday, in front of around 8000 spectators and basketball enthusiasts at Rome’s Palazzo dello Sport, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu joined the team centre court during the halftime show to make the announcement.

"For almost 100 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have been sharing joy and teaching others around the world about unity, equality and solidarity.” The Director-General pointed out that, “80 years ago, when FAO was officially established, the Harlem Globetrotters started a global movement for happiness, health, peace and prosperity." Addressing the Globetrotters’ head coach, Saul “Flip” White Jr, who accepted the designation scroll on behalf of the team, which stood around him, the Director-General added: "In the year of FAO’s 80th anniversary, I am proud to designate the Harlem Globetrotters as FAO Global Goodwill Ambassadors.” The Director-General closed by thanking the Harlem Globetrotters for “everything they have done so far, and for what we will do more together in the future.”

The Harlem Globetrotters head coach expressed his enthusiasm for the designation, stating that "on behalf of the Harlem Globetrotters, we are hugely grateful to accept this prestigious and important designation. We look forward to supporting FAO's crucial work in the agrifood sphere - throughout (and beyond) this important 80th anniversary year for FAO. Thank you!"

As FAO Global Goodwill Ambassadors, the Globetrotters will use their renown and platforms to engage audiences - young and old - worldwide, advocating for healthy diets, reducing food waste and sustainability.

For over a year, the Harlem Globetrotters have championed FAO’s mission. From taking part in World Food Day activities, visits to a school feeding project in the Dominican Republic and a school community in Tor Bella Monaca, on the outskirts of Rome. At the UN General Assembly in New York, they reinforced the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while warning against excessive consumption of added sugars, and championed the right to foods - to children around the world.

A video showcasing the FAO and Globetrotters’ partnership was screened during Sunday's ceremony on giant LED walls in the stadium arena - underscoring a shared commitment to tackling food insecurity.

Formed in 1926, the Harlem Globetrotters are an iconic exhibition basketball team known for their distinctive blend of basketball, comedy, athleticism, and theatrics. Off the court, they use sport as a vehicle for positive change and social impact. Their Emmy-Award-winning NBC primetime programme, Play It Forward, for example, highlights their global humanitarian efforts.

The Harlem Globetrotters join an acclaimed list of FAO Goodwill Ambassadors, including Queen Letizia of Spain, King Letsie III of Lesotho, as well as Champions like chefs Alessandro Borghese, Cristina Bowerman and Fatmata Binta who help promote FAO’s vision of a world without hunger. FAO Goodwill Ambassadors and Champions are distinguished people of talent and passion, who recognize the importance and responsibility individuals play in promoting food security, and who inspire goodwill and help foster political will to reach specific goals under FAO’s mandate.