Exciting news comes as Peace and Sport, in partnership with the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SOPC), introduces the inaugural Peace and Sport Middle East Forum, powered by SOPC. Scheduled for October 18th and 19th, 2023, this landmark event will unfold within the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter.

Sport, known for its impartiality, fairness, and universal appeal, emerges as a potent catalyst for nurturing a culture of peace and communal well-being through open dialogue. Peace and Sport has been advocating worldwide for this vision, which is central to the role sport plays in achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. With nearly 70% of its population under 35, sport can foster a sense of belonging and inspire future generations.

Themed “Sport is an Answer for Peace,” the Peace and Sport Middle East Forum, powered by SOPC, in collaboration with Diplomatic Quarter office at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, will assemble an array of experts and decision-makers spanning diverse domains. Their collective aim is to exemplify and formulate policies that leverage sport as a conduit for disseminating positive values, attitudes, and behaviors conducive to peace building.

The event’s agenda encompasses many sessions encompassing impacts of grassroots initiatives, major sports events, women’s sports empowerment, and an anticipated talk between Didier Drogba, Vice President of Peace and Sport, and a prominent football legend newly part of the thriving Saudi Arabian league. An essential session will center on “Vision 2030: Sport in Saudi Arabia,” spotlighting the nation’s dedication to sports as a national priority and its aligning with Vision 2030 and the 2018- launched Quality of Life Program. Saudi leaders will present significant initiatives and initial outcomes.

Quote H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki AlFAISAL, Ministre of Sport, President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee

“We warmly embrace the Peace and Sport organization. Our ambitions extend to the global and local advancement of peace through sports. This forum underscores our resolve to propel sports and its associated values through educational, developmental, and social training avenues. Sports and this Forum serve as the ideal conduit to amplify core human principles such as peace, values we mutually share with our partners at Peace and Sport.”

Quote Joël Bouzou OLY – Peace and Sport President and Founder

“Bringing the Peace and Sport organization to Saudi Arabia fills us with pride. It marks a testament to our organization’s 15 years of dedicated work. It represents a pivotal milestone, resonating not only with us, but also in light of the ever-growing need for promoting peace through sports. Peace and Sport create platforms where voices can resound within a neutral backdrop, addressing matters of great import via distinguished speakers. This new forum encapsulates all that and more.”

About the Peace and Sport International Forum

Having flourished over 15 years and spanning 13 editions, the Peace and Sport International Forum has evolved into a prominent fixture on the global stage. Each edition has convened delegates and luminaries from 90 countries, including Heads of State, illustrious champions, Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, NGOs, corporations, sports entities, and UN agencies.