UNGA 2025: NBPA Foundation’s Erika Swilley on Player Impact and the Power of Partnerships
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New York, October 2025 — During the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80), the NBPA hosted a reception at its headquarters with The World Shoe and OAFLAD. The evening spotlighted a powerful alliance of athletes, innovators, and First Ladies working together to advance women’s empowerment, health, and opportunity.
The reception underscored how sport, enterprise, and humanitarian leadership can align to improve global health and opportunity. And it was made even more significant when The NBPA Foundation’s leadership was on full display, announcing a $20,000 donation to advance World Shoe’s mission. This commitment signaled the union’s unique role as the heartbeat of player-driven philanthropy worldwide.
Special thanks to NBA players Ochai Agbaji (Toronto Raptors, Young Agbaji Foundation) and Sion James (Charlotte Hornets, Sion James Foundation) for their generous gift of $30,000. With the NBPA’s match, the total raised reached $80,000, dedicated to providing World Shoes to youth through the Wash and Wear initiatives planned with OAFLAD (Organization of African First Ladies for Development).
In an exclusive interview with Monica Guy, Lead UN Correspondent for The Voice of Africa (TVOA), Erika Swilley, Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation, underscored why this collaboration matters and how players are driving global impact.
NBPA & Its Foundation: Empowering Players, Empowering Communities
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current NBA players, ensuring their rights are protected and elevating their voices on and off the court. Its philanthropic arm, the NBPA Foundation, helps support and amplify the impact players have in their communities and around the world.
Swilley emphasized the importance of partnerships like this one:
“We can’t do this work without strategic partnerships. Our goal is to help our players with their community initiatives. Partnering with World Shoe and the First Ladies allows us to amplify the work our guys are already doing.”
Players as Global Changemakers
Swilley highlighted how NBA players are uniquely positioned to support initiatives like World Shoe:
“Our players have a very unique platform to give back. When their stories are told, more people tend to come along for the ride. There’s strength in numbers, and that’s what we want — to inspire others to join us for the work on the continent.”
She noted that players’ involvement stems from genuine passion:
“When there’s a genuine and authentic connection to the communities they come from or represent, players are eager to give back. They want to use their platform for good.”
The Role of Media and Storytelling
When asked about the role of The Voice of Africa, Swilley was clear:
“It’s important when we have platforms like THE VOICE OF AFRICA to help share the good work that our players are doing. Telling these stories inspires others to join the cause, and that’s what we want to see.”
The “Magic Bullet” of the Partnership
Closing the conversation, Swilley described why the NBPA–World Shoe–OAFLAD partnership is unique:
“The magic bullet is that everyone genuinely cares and wants to make a difference. There’s no hidden agenda. Everyone truly wants to see change and impact happen.”
World Shoe: African Innovation on the Global Stage
At the heart of the reception was World Shoe, the first African-born footwear brand created to prevent neglected tropical diseases while creating jobs across the continent.
Manny Ohonme, Co-Founder and President of World Shoe, explained the mission:
“World Shoe is more than footwear — it’s dignity you can wear, protection against disease, and proof that African innovation can lead the world.”
Kojo Taylor, President and Co-owner of World Shoe Ghana, added:
“Every shoe we make represents jobs, health, and hope. Our Akosombo factory is a symbol of what is possible when Africa invests in Africa.”
Looking Forward
The reception was more than a gathering — it was proof of what happens when players, innovators, and leaders unite. With NBPA Foundation’s player-driven philanthropy, World Shoe’s African innovation, and OAFLAD’s leadership, the partnership represents a new model for global collaboration.
Through exclusive coverage, TVOA is amplifying these voices across Africa, the diaspora, and the global community, ensuring the legacy of this partnership continues to grow.
Together — NBPA, World Shoe and OAFLAD— are proving that sport, innovation, and leadership can transform lives.