On a side event of the sixth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding.
This partnership aims to support UNHCR’s work and empower refugees and internally displaced people through sports. Based on this agreement, both organizations seek to promote inclusion within the host communities across the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and join forces to implement safe and inclusive sports programmes benefiting refugee children and youth, alongside the host communities, across different age groups and capacities.
Commenting on the partnership, Khaled Khalifa, UNHCR Senior Advisor and Representative to the GCC, said: "UNHCR believes in the vital role that sports play in the lives of refugees and internally displaced people. Sports provide a sense of belonging, help build bridges, foster team spirit, and support psychological and social well-being. We are pleased with this partnership with the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association, which we hope will have a substantial positive impact on the lives of those forced to flee."
From his side, Mr. Nasser Al-Majali, Secretary General of ISSA, stated: "This partnership reflects our deep belief in the humanitarian role of sports and its ability to bring about positive change in the lives of individuals and communities. Through this collaboration, we aim to empower the youth and enhance their social integration through purposeful sports initiatives that open doors of hope and contribute to building their skills and strengthening their capacities. At ISSA, we believe that sports are not merely a competition, but a means for development, peace, and human solidarity."
UNHCR launched its first-ever sports strategy, “More Than a Game,” in 2022, reaffirming its commitment to leveraging sports as a tool to improve the lives of displaced and stateless persons. The strategy focuses on building partnerships, programmes, and projects that promote inclusion and well-being, particularly among children, adolescents, and youth affected by forced displacement.
