OIC Steering Committee Commends Member States for Youth Capacity Building and Sports Development

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Steering Committee on Youth and Sports held its inaugural virtual meeting, commending member states for their efforts in building youth capacities and developing sports across the Islamic world. The session, which took place on July 25, 2024, was chaired by Abdulaziz Al-Musaad, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports in charge of youth and sports affairs, who serves as the current president of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers.

Context and Background

The meeting underscores the OIC’s commitment to empowering youth and advancing sports as pillars of social development. The Steering Committee was established to enhance young people’s participation, provide strategic advice to the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers, and ensure the effective implementation of key frameworks such as the OIC Youth Strategy and the OIC Sports Development Strategy. Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in this initiative aligns with its broader Vision 2030 goals of fostering human capital and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Key Details

During the meeting, Tariq Backhit, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural, and Social Affairs, spoke on behalf of the OIC Secretary-General. He emphasized the Steering Committee’s importance in enhancing young people’s participation and developing sports in the Islamic world. The committee reviewed progress made in implementing the OIC Youth Strategy and the OIC Sports Development Strategy, as well as assessed the efforts of member states and relevant institutions in executing decisions from the fifth session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers. The Steering Committee includes representatives from the conference troika of Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and Libya, as well as Türkiye for the Asian group, Iraq for the Arab group, Niger for the African group, and the General Secretariat and other relevant OIC bodies.

Implications and Impact

This initial meeting marks a significant step toward unified action on youth and sports within the OIC. By commending member states for their contributions, the committee encourages continued collaboration and knowledge sharing. The focus on implementing the OIC Youth Strategy and OIC Sports Development Strategy aims to foster resilience, skills development, and healthy living among young people across the Islamic world, ultimately contributing to regional stability and socio-economic progress.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s presidency of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers and its active role in the Steering Committee reflect the Kingdom’s dedication to international cooperation and youth empowerment, core components of Vision 2030. By championing initiatives that build youth capacities and develop sports, Saudi Arabia continues to foster a vibrant society and a thriving economy, reinforcing its position as a global leader in sustainable development.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the OIC Steering Committee on Youth and Sports?

A1. It is a committee established to enhance youth participation, develop sports in the Islamic world, and provide advice to the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers.

Q2. When was the inaugural virtual meeting held?

A2. The first virtual meeting took place on July 25, 2024.

Q3. Who chaired the meeting?

A3. Abdulaziz Al-Musaad, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Sports in charge of youth and sports affairs, chaired the meeting.

Q4. What role does Saudi Arabia play in this committee?

A4. Saudi Arabia holds the presidency of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers and is part of the conference troika.

Q5. Who spoke on behalf of the OIC Secretary-General?

A5. Tariq Backhit, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural, and Social Affairs, delivered the speech.

Q6. What key strategies did the committee discuss?

A6. The committee discussed the OIC Youth Strategy and the OIC Sports Development Strategy.

Q7. Why are youth and sports important for the OIC?

A7. They are vital for social development, building resilience, and fostering healthy lifestyles among young people in member states.

Q8. Which countries are part of the conference troika?

A8. The troika includes Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, and Libya.

Q9. What was the main outcome of the meeting?

A9. The committee commended member states for their efforts in building youth capacities and developing sports.

Q10. How does this initiative support Vision 2030?

A10. It aligns with Vision 2030’s goals of youth empowerment and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

Q11. What is the OIC Youth Strategy?

A11. It is a framework to empower youth through education, employment, and participation in decision-making across the Islamic world.

Q12. What is the OIC Sports Development Strategy?

A12. It aims to promote sports as a tool for social cohesion, health, and international cooperation among OIC member states.

Q13. Who are the other members of the Steering Committee?

A13. Members include Türkiye for the Asian group, Iraq for the Arab group, Niger for the African group, and the OIC General Secretariat.

Q14. What was the fifth session of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers?

A14. It was a previous meeting where decisions were made regarding youth and sports policies, implemented by member states.

Q15. How does the committee assess member states’ efforts?

A15. It reviews progress reports and evaluates the implementation of decisions from previous conferences.

Q16. What is the long-term goal of the Steering Committee?

A16. To create a unified approach to youth and sports development across the Islamic world, fostering collaboration and growth.

Q17. Was this the first meeting of the Steering Committee?

A17. Yes, it was the inaugural virtual meeting, marking the start of its work.

Q18. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from leading this initiative?

A18. It enhances Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in youth and sports, strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties with other nations.

Q19. What message did the OIC Secretary-General convey through his representative?

A19. He emphasized the importance of youth participation and sports development for the Islamic world’s future.

Q20. What is the expected next step for the committee?

A20. The committee will continue monitoring progress and advising on strategies to empower youth and advance sports in member states.

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