UAE participates in “Council of Arab Ministers for Youth and Sports” Meetings in Baghdad to strengthen sports sector and support youth empowerment

H.E. Ghanem Al Hajeri: The Council of Arab Ministers for Youth and Sports serves as a powerful platform to enhance sports cooperation and youth empowerment to contribute to the growth of their countries and societies.

• The Council discussed key youth initiatives such as the 2025 Arab Youth, Peace and Security Strategy as well as the establishment of the Arab Youth Union
• Council members endorsed proposal to establish reconstruction fund for damaged sports infrastructure in Gaza and South Lebanon
• Key meeting outcomes include the selection of Amman as the Arab youth capital for 2025
• Jordan approved as host for the launch of the executive plan of Arab Youth, Peace and Security Strategy 2023–2028

United Arab Emirates, 04 February, 2025

The United Arab Emirates participated in the 48th session of the Council of Arab Ministers for Youth and Sports and the 71st session of the Council’s Executive Office, both hosted in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. H.E. Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports, attended the meeting along with ministers and officials from various Arab countries' youth and sports sectors, as well as representatives from the Arab League, to explore avenues for strengthening Arab cooperation in these key domains.

Several projects and initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering Arab youth were reviewed during the meetings, including the Arab Strategy for Youth, Peace and Security, which is set to launch in 2025 and will be included in the upcoming Arab Summit agenda. Discussions also revolved around the proposed Arab Youth Union, the Arab Youth Inventors Forum, and other programs focused on youth empowerment. Additionally, the meetings explored innovative methods to develop sports infrastructure in Arab countries, support community sports, and strengthen cooperation between sports clubs and institutions.

During the meetings, H.E. Ghanem Mubarak Al Hajeri highlighted the UAE’s unwavering efforts to support joint Arab efforts in sports development and youth empowerment, led by the noble directives of its wise leadership. His Excellency also underscored the nation’s commitment to promoting collaboration for the development of effective initiatives and policies that can strengthen the Arab sports sector and enhance its role as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. These initiatives aim to address the concerns and interests of Arab youth while creating broader opportunities for them to contribute to their communities’ growth.

H.E. Al Hajeri further stated: “The Council of Arab Ministers for Youth and Sports serves as a powerful platform for fostering Arab cooperation. The meetings facilitated important discussions on youth empowerment and positioning sports as a key driver of community development. We also reviewed initiatives aimed at fostering an integrated sports ecosystem and facilitating experience-sharing among Arab nations. This further aligns with the Ministry of Sports' strategy to strengthen cooperation and coordination with various regional sports partners, promoting productive sports engagement between the UAE and other Arab nations.”

His Excellency also remarked: “We hope that the approved decisions and initiatives will drive sustainable impact, supporting the growth of the youth and sports sectors in the Arab world. Developing sports and enhancing its regional position requires collective efforts and cooperation among all relevant parties, while creating a supportive environment which enables youth to achieve their aspirations.”

The meetings also spotlighted a range of youth and sports-related issues, including a proposal to establish a dedicated fund for reconstructing sports facilities damaged in Gaza and southern Lebanon, as well as restoring various initiatives aimed at developing the Arab sports sector, such as the Arab Camping and Scouting Forum and the Excellence and Innovation Award for Talented Youth. The meetings concluded with several productive recommendations, most notably the declaration of Amman as the Arab Youth Capital for 2025 and the approval of Jordan as the host for launching the executive plan of the Arab Strategy for Youth, Peace and Security 2023-2028.