Jeddah: The "Volunteerism in Youth and Sports" training program, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Sport and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretariat, commenced in Jeddah with the participation of Kuwait's Public Authority for Youth. The initiative focuses on youth sports volunteering and its role in community development.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Anwar Al-Mikhael, the head of Kuwait's delegation and Director of Services at the Public Authority for Youth, emphasized Kuwait's commitment to supporting youth and sports initiatives. Al-Mikhael noted that volunteer work is essential for building societies and preparing future leaders capable of meeting challenges and achieving sustainable development. Al-Mikhael, who also chairs the GCC leadership and entrepreneurship committee, highlighted that the event aligns with the decisions of the 38th GCC Youth and Sports Ministers' meeting.
The program aims to foster a culture of volunteerism among Gulf youth, support sports tournaments and events, and promote values of belonging, giving, and social responsibility. Al-Mikhael praised the GCC Secretariat and the Saudi Ministry of Sport for organizing the program, expressing hope that it will serve as a platform to exchange experiences, develop leadership skills, and enhance cooperation among GCC youth. This effort reinforces volunteerism as a lasting humanitarian value in Gulf societies.
Kuwait's delegation includes Al-Mikhael along with Faleh Al-Ajmi, Abdulrahman Majham, Ahmad Al-Thuwaini, and Nada Binnaji. The program is part of the joint GCC activities approved for 2025 at the 38th ministerial meeting held in Kuwait last February. Kuwait's participation underscores its eagerness to advance joint Gulf youth work and build young people's capacities in leadership and volunteering to support community development and GCC integration.
Running until next Thursday, the program addresses the concept of youth sports volunteerism, its social impact, and the legal and regulatory frameworks in the Gulf. It also tackles sports event management, volunteer leadership skills, the use of technology and digital platforms for volunteer management, governance and legislation, recruiting and training volunteers, challenges and sustainability, risk management, partnerships with the private sector and civil society, and innovation in volunteer programs.
The program ultimately seeks to promote a volunteer culture in youth and sports, highlight its importance, improve volunteer management, and share successful Gulf and international experiences.