The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) showcased its innovative community participation model at the United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York, emphasizing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing sustainable development through physical activity and wellness initiatives. The exhibition, part of the Kingdom’s “Advancing Sustainable Development in Saudi Arabia” showcase, highlighted SFA’s efforts to increase physical activity levels nationwide, aligning with global standards and promoting healthier communities.
Context and Background
The 2026 HLPF, themed “Transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” served as a platform for nations to review progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Saudi Arabia’s participation included its third Voluntary National Review (VNR), which underscored the Kingdom’s strides in promoting physical activity and wellness, with SFA playing a pivotal role.
Key Details
SFA Managing Director Shaima bint Saleh AlHusseini emphasized the federation’s alignment of national ambitions with global benchmarks, focusing on intensity-based physical activity standards. The exhibition featured architectural models, such as the Riyadh Marathon Village 2026, illustrating how underutilized spaces can be transformed into hubs encouraging movement and social interaction. The Riyadh Marathon saw participation grow from 10,000 to 50,000 participants this year, reflecting the Kingdom’s progress in fostering physical activity.
Implications and Impact
SFA’s initiatives, including the “Move Your World” campaign and the “Museum of Extinct Mobility,” creatively addressed the importance of physical activity, urging action to preserve movement. These efforts not only promote individual health but also contribute to broader societal well-being and environmental sustainability. The federation’s Annual Reports and Wellbeing Blueprint Draft provided insights into its strategic direction and achievements, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in integrating physical activity into national development.
Vision 2030 Alignment
SFA’s initiatives align closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes improving quality of life and fostering a vibrant society. By promoting physical activity, SFA supports the Kingdom’s broader goals of sustainable development, social cohesion, and economic diversification. The federation’s efforts underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global leadership in advancing the SDGs and creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
20 Questions
Q1. What was the purpose of SFA’s participation at the HLPF?
A1. SFA aimed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s community participation model and its efforts to increase physical activity levels, aligning with global sustainable development goals.
Q2. Who represented SFA at the forum?
A2. SFA Managing Director Shaima bint Saleh AlHusseini represented the federation, highlighting its initiatives and achievements.
Q3. What themes were emphasized at the 2026 HLPF?
A3. The forum focused on transformative, equitable, innovative, and coordinated actions to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Q4. What was showcased at SFA’s exhibition?
A4. The exhibition featured architectural models, such as the Riyadh Marathon Village 2026, and initiatives like “Move Your World” and the “Museum of Extinct Mobility.”
Q5. How has the Riyadh Marathon grown?
A5. Participation increased from approximately 10,000 to 50,000 participants, reflecting the Kingdom’s progress in promoting physical activity.
Q6. What is the “Move Your World” campaign?
A6. It is an awareness initiative that visualizes a future without physical activity, urging action to preserve movement and health.
Q7. What is the “Museum of Extinct Mobility”?
A7. A creative narrative that imagines a world where physical activity has disappeared, serving as a reminder to take action today.
Q8. What documents were included in the exhibition?
A8. SFA’s Annual Reports, Corporate Strategy, and Wellbeing Blueprint Draft were displayed, detailing its strategic direction and achievements.
Q9. What SDGs were reviewed at the HLPF?
A9. The forum reviewed progress toward SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Q10. What did Saudi Arabia’s 2026 VNR highlight?
A10. The VNR emphasized SFA’s role in advancing physical activity and wellness, with significant increases in national participation rates.
Q11. How has adult physical activity participation changed?
A11. Adult participation in 150 minutes of physical activity per week rose to 59.1% by 2025.
Q12. What about youth physical activity?
A12. Youth participation in 60 minutes of daily activity increased to 19% in 2025.
Q13. How many entities contributed to Saudi Arabia’s VNR?
A13. Over 140 entities from government, the private sector, academia, civil society, and international partners contributed.
Q14. What is the significance of the Riyadh Marathon Village 2026?
A14. It demonstrates how underutilized spaces can be transformed into environments encouraging movement, social interaction, and a sense of belonging.
Q15. How does SFA promote sustainability?
A15. SFA integrates sustainability into its operations through active transport, zero-waste initiatives, energy-efficient infrastructure, and fostering conscious consumption.
Q16. What is the role of community participation in SFA’s model?
A16. Community participation is a national enabler of healthier communities, social wellbeing, and sustainable development.
Q17. How does SFA align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030?
A17. By promoting physical activity and wellness, SFA supports Vision 2030’s goals of improving quality of life and fostering a vibrant society.
Q18. What is the HLPF’s primary purpose?
A18. The HLPF serves as the UN’s primary platform for reviewing progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Q19. What is the broader impact of SFA’s initiatives?
A19. SFA’s efforts contribute to societal well-being, environmental sustainability, and global leadership in advancing the SDGs.
Q20. What does SFA’s participation signify for Saudi Arabia?
A20. It signifies the Kingdom’s commitment to global leadership in sustainable development and its dedication to creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
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