Ban Ki-moon: Muhammad Ali was champion for equality and peace

The UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon extends his condolences to the family of Muhammad Ali, who passed away today.

"Mr. Ali was far more than a legendary boxer; he was a world champion for equality and peace. With an incomparable combination of principle, charm, wit and grace, he fought for a better world and used his platform to help lift up humanity," Ban Ki-moon said.

The Secretary-General recalled Mr. Ali’s strength, humour and ability to bring people together.

The United Nations is grateful to have benefitted from the life and work of one of the past century’s great humanitarians and advocates for understanding and peace.

Named a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 1998, Mr. Ali travelled the globe to support children and others caught up in conflict, and to promote reconciliation between people and nations. Well before taking on this role, he came to the United Nations in the 1970s to campaign against apartheid and racial injustice.