Colleagues across the United Nations system are invited to participate in the United Nations Games 2026, for which registration is now officially open. Organized by the United Nations Games Organizing Committee, led by the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, the Games will take place in New York during June and July 2026.
Open to staff from Permanent Missions, the United Nations Secretariat, Funds, Programmes and Specialized Agencies, as well as eligible family members, the Games offer an opportunity to engage in friendly competition and strengthen collaboration across the New York-based international community.
Building on previous editions that brought together over 800 participants from more than 100 countries and organizations, the Games provide a platform for sports diplomacy, promoting inclusion, mutual respect and healthy lifestyles.
The preliminary programme of the 2026 Games includes the following disciplines: football, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, table tennis, chess, yoga, and running. Additional details and competitions will be communicated to registered participants. Participants are encouraged to register early due to limited capacity.
Key dates
- Opening ceremony (virtual): 12 June 2026
- Football tournament, organized by the United Nations Staff Football Club: 13–14 June 2026
- Chess, running and yoga: 24 June 2026
- Table tennis tournament: 11 July 2026
- Closing ceremony and awards presentation: 17 July 2026
Registration and further information
Registration for all participants is available through the official form: https://bit.ly/UN_GAMES_REGISTRATION
Further information, including updates on schedules, venues and regulations, is available on the official website: https://unitednationsgames.org/.