Cairo, Egypt – Technical committees representing Arab youth and sports ministries are convening at the League of Arab States headquarters this weekend to finalize preparations for upcoming regional meetings. Discussions will focus on a diverse range of Arab youth initiatives, including programs related to technology, culture, and peacebuilding, culminating in the 49th session of the Council of Arab Youth and Sports Ministers next Tuesday. The meetings aim to coordinate efforts to support and empower young people across the Arab world.
The preparatory meetings, involving youth, sports, and financial committees, began Sunday and will continue through Monday. These sessions are crucial for streamlining the agenda and ensuring alignment among member states before the Executive Bureau meeting and the main Council session. Minister Plenipotentiary Enas Al Farjani, Supervisor of the Social Affairs Sector at the League of Arab States, announced the commencement of the meetings and highlighted the extensive scope of proposals under consideration.
Focus on Empowering Arab Youth Through New Initiatives
A central theme of the discussions is the development of programs designed to address the evolving needs of Arab youth. These initiatives span multiple sectors, reflecting a commitment to holistic development. According to Al Farjani, the proposals include collaborative forums with China and Europe, aiming to foster cultural exchange and economic opportunities.
Technology and Skill Development
Recognizing the importance of digital literacy, several training courses are planned. These cover areas such as artificial intelligence, content creation, and cybersecurity, equipping young Arabs with skills relevant to the modern job market. Additionally, courses addressing youth mental health are included, acknowledging the growing need for support in this area.
Cultural and Sporting Programs
The agenda also features a strong emphasis on cultural and sporting activities. The Arab Youth Nile Cruise in Egypt and the Sacred Sites Journey Program in Saudi Arabia are examples of initiatives designed to promote regional identity and understanding. Furthermore, the selection of the Arab Youth Capital for 2026 is a key item, with cities vying for the opportunity to showcase their youth-focused programs and infrastructure.
Sports are also prominently featured, with plans for an Arab Esports Championship, the League of Arab States Cup for Embassies, and the 2026 Sports Games for Specialized Federations. Sharjah, UAE, will host the Arab Women’s Clubs Championship, and Algeria is preparing to host the Arab School Sports Festival. Manama, Bahrain, has already been designated as the Arab Capital of Sports Culture.
The League of Arab States is also prioritizing peace and security initiatives targeting young people. The executive plan for the Arab Youth, Peace, and Security Strategy, launched in Jordan in 2025, will be a major focus. This strategy, a first of its kind in the Arab world, aims to integrate youth into peacebuilding efforts and address the root causes of conflict. The strategy’s implementation is scheduled throughout 2026.
The Social Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States plays a vital coordinating role, facilitating communication and the exchange of best practices among member states. This sector serves as a central hub for information related to youth programs and plans, supporting the development of effective policies. The League emphasizes the importance of collaboration to maximize the impact of these initiatives, particularly in areas like youth development.
The Arab Youth Excellence Award will also be presented, recognizing outstanding achievements by young individuals across the region. This award aims to inspire and motivate others to strive for excellence in their respective fields. The overall goal is to create a supportive ecosystem for youth engagement and leadership.
Following the technical committee meetings, the Executive Bureau will convene, and then the full Council of Arab Youth and Sports Ministers will hold its 49th session next Tuesday. Outcomes from these meetings will likely include finalized program details, budget allocations, and the announcement of the Arab Youth Capital for 2026. The success of the Arab Youth, Peace, and Security Strategy’s implementation in 2026 will be a key area to monitor, as will the level of coordination achieved among the various member states.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
League of Arab States
Arab Youth – Wikipedia
