Generation Amazing Foundation (GA) recently participated in the United by Sports Forum in Paris, France, a global conference focused on promoting social inclusion of youth through sports. Held one day before the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics, the conference highlighted the importance of sports in fostering social inclusion and gender equality, in line with the values of the Olympic and Paralympic movements. Key figures from sports organisations, international institutions, NGOs, and international athletes came together to discuss the role of sports in social inclusion, share best practices, form new alliances, and strengthen collective ambitions in this field. The forum also featured opening remarks by the French Minister of Sport, Amélie Oudéa-Castéra.
GA Executive Director, Nasser Al-Khori, shared the stage with executives from Lacoste and La Compagnie des Alpes at the forum, emphasizing GA’s significant contributions as a human and social legacy initiative of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. Al-Khori highlighted the success of GA’s Goal 22 program, a year-long global exchange program for youth empowerment and sports development that began at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ and concluded at the Closing Summit during the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2023 in Miami, Florida. Through Goal 22, young leaders from 32 World Cup participating nations developed sport-led projects addressing community challenges and received grants and expert feedback to implement their ideas. Al-Khori emphasized the potential for foundations and private sector partners to empower communities and create sustainable social impact through sports.
At the Forum, GA Youth Advocate Mohamed Al-Qassabi and GA Director of Operations Paulette Sanchez led workshops showcasing GA’s initiatives in addressing challenges faced by young leaders. Al-Qassabi engaged in discussions with key figures from major sporting events like Paris 2024, Dakar 2026, and Salt Lake City 2032, highlighting how football can equip a generation with the skills to become influential change makers. Sanchez stressed the need for increased investment in the Sport for Good sector, emphasizing its ability to drive significant social impact. The forum took place during Festival 24, an international solidarity youth festival organised by Sport Dans La Ville on the sidelines of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.
Generation Amazing sponsored two delegations of youth from Right to Play in Pakistan and Força Foundation in Senegal, along with young leaders from Qatar, to participate in Festival 24. Al-Khori stated that the participation in Festival 24 marked a significant milestone for GA as they broaden their focus from football to other sports for development, aiming to increase their impact and reach. GA’s participation in Festival 24 was made possible through the generous support of the Delegation of the European Union to Qatar, with a shared goal of breaking down barriers, fostering peace and resilience, and uniting communities through the power of sport. This expansion underscores GA’s commitment to leveraging sports to bring about positive change in communities worldwide.
The United by Sports Forum in Paris brought together key figures in the sports industry to discuss the role of sports in promoting social inclusion and gender equality. GA Executive Director, Nasser Al-Khori, highlighted GA’s impactful initiatives at the forum, including the Goal 22 program, which engaged young leaders from 32 World Cup participating nations in a year-long global exchange focused on youth empowerment and sports development. The forum also featured dynamic workshops led by GA Youth Advocate Mohamed Al-Qassabi and GA Director of Operations Paulette Sanchez, showcasing GA’s efforts to address challenges faced by young leaders. GA’s participation in Festival 24, alongside other sponsors like the European Union and the French Ministry of Sports, underscores their commitment to using sports to foster positive change worldwide. With support from the Delegation of the European Union to Qatar, GA aims to continue breaking down barriers, fostering peace and unity, and creating lasting social impact through sports.
