Cairo: The Arab League announced on Thursday that Arab Youth and Sports Ministers will convene their 49th session next Tuesday, under the chairmanship of the UAE, to discuss programs aimed at empowering and supporting Arab youth and developing joint sports initiatives.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Minister Plenipotentiary Inas Al-Farjani, Supervisor of the Social Affairs Sector at the Arab League, stated that preparatory meetings at the senior officials level are scheduled for Sunday and Monday. These meetings will set the stage for the Executive Bureau of Arab Ministers of Youth and Sports meeting, chaired by Egypt, to finalize the agenda for the upcoming 49th session.
Al-Farjani highlighted the inclusion of various agenda items such as preparations for the fourth Arab-Chinese Cooperation Forum and the ninth Arab-European Cooperation Forum. Other notable topics include the fourth Arab Youth Parliament simulation model, the third Arab Youth Salon, and a training course on artificial intelligence, content creation, and youth awareness.
The agenda also addresses cybersecurity, youth mental health, and the Arab Youth Excellence Award. It includes plans to organize the first Arab e-sports championship and the Arab League Embassies Cup.
Al-Farjani emphasized that member states' Ministries of Youth and Sports have proposed hosting several activities targeting Arab youth. These include the 10th edition of the Holy Sites Journey, the Nile Youth Ship, the Arab Youth Capital for 2026, a Peace Marathon in Somalia, the Arab School Sports Festival in Algeria, the Arab Women's Clubs Championship in Sharjah, and the designation of Manama as the Arab Sports Culture Capital, alongside the 2026 Specialized Federations Games.
She also referenced the executive plan for the Arab Strategy for Youth, Peace, and Security, adopted in Jordan last year. This strategy, the first of its kind in the Arab world and globally, is set to be implemented this year.
Al-Farjani underscored the significance of addressing the challenges faced by the Arab region amidst rapid global and regional changes. She called for sustained attention from Arab governments towards youth, highlighting their potential as a vital human resource capable of supporting development efforts.