The 15th Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) General Assembly, held in Taif, Saudi Arabia, saw the ISSA update its 57 member countries on progress across its key strategic programs, from national sport development to preparations for the Islamic Solidarity Games in Malaysia 2029 and stronger athlete representation.
A dedicated workshop on the Forward Through Sport program, first launched in Tirana, Albania, in December 2024, highlighted how targeted policy, research and resource mobilization are helping member countries embed physical activity into national development priorities. Delegates were introduced to the program's 10-Pillar Sport Sector Mapping Framework, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which guides National Olympic Committees in mapping impact across areas including public health, quality physical education, elite performance, gender inclusion and environmental sustainability.
The session also detailed tools such as the live Resource Mobilization Opportunities Tracker and NOC readiness assessments, designed to help members access non-traditional funding streams including development finance, corporate partnerships and international grants. The workshop closed with a timeline for upcoming regional capacity-building workshops, technical consultations and country-level mapping assessments.
A second session unveiled the Excel & Host roadmap for Malaysia 2029, building on the legacy of the Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games, where more than 3,000 athletes from 57 countries competed across 23 sports. The program supports ISSA members in hosting international events while building sustainable athlete pathways, offering tailored tools and technical support aligned with national social, economic, cultural and environmental priorities.
A new Impact Framework, running from 2026 to 2029, will combine national surveys, International Federation partnerships and collaborative planning to measure long-term outcomes and maximize value for host cities and athletes alike.
Athletes were also placed firmly at the centre of the ISSA General Assembly through Voice Up. Two capacity-building workshops brought Voice Up Champions and members of the ISSA Athletes' Commission together, discussing how athlete experiences and evidence can be translated into advocacy and meaningful action.
The sessions culminated in the first official meeting of the Voice Up Steering Committee, where members formally approved the Committee's Terms of Reference and identified initial advocacy priorities and KPIs based on athlete concerns gathered through the program.
ISSA Director of Strategy & Programs Mazen Diab reflected on the significance of the Assembly's outcomes: “This General Assembly showed the real progress ISSA is making across the board. Through Forward Through Sport, we're helping our 57 member countries build stronger, more sustainable sport systems at home, while Excel & Host is setting a clear roadmap to empower our members to host world-class international events.
“With the first official meeting of the Voice Up Steering Committee, we've also taken a milestone step in giving athletes a real, structured pathway to shape the decisions that affect them. I want to thank everyone who contributed across these workshops for the energy and commitment they brought. Together, these programs are building the foundation for the ISSA's future.”
