Federation signs MoU with Peace and Sport on the sidelines of the Peace and Sport International Forum 2022 in Monaco
The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) has underlined its
commitment to advancing sports diplomacy and leveraging the unifying power of sports to
create a brighter future for all. Representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the Peace and
Sport International Forum 2022 in Monaco — an event launched to generate concrete solutions
and forge impactful partnerships that make the most of sport as a lever for peace — the
Federation took another important step towards accomplishing its goal of empowering more
people and communities to lead healthier, happier, more productive lives.
Joining some of the world’s foremost experts, leaders, and sports stars to address pressing
global challenges, SFA — acting as an ambassador for the Kingdom and flagbearer of regional
sports excellence — showcased its work to transform Saudi Arabia into a world-class sports
hub. The Federation called on the international community to come together through the
development of an inclusive and united global sports culture to effect lasting change and
innovate sustainable solutions to persistent issues.
A unique platform for meaningful dialogue, the exchange of ideas and the promotion of good
practices, the Peace and Sport International Forum provides a timely opportunity for
changemakers from around the world to explore how they can safeguard the future.
This year’s event — which took place from 30 November to 1 December — marked a major
milestone for SFA, with the Federation signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Peace and Sport on the sidelines of the forum. The agreement aims to enhance cooperation
between the two parties in supporting community sports initiatives and empowering Saudi
people in the sports sector.
The MoU was signed by SFA President HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud and
the President and Founder of Peace and Sport, Joël Bouzou. It will help to enhance SFA's drive
— with the support of the Ministry of Sport and the Quality of Life Program — to build a healthy
and active society through joint programs and bilateral campaigns.
As part of the agreement, SFA will collaborate with Peace and Sport — a neutral and
independent worldwide organization that uses sport and its values as an instrument for peace
— to host a diversity of sports programs in the Kingdom. Together, they will create a range of
initiatives that support the ongoing growth and development of the Saudi sports community,
while promoting global peace and cooperation.
The MoU forms part of the initiatives that SFA is pioneering to achieve the Vision 2030 and
Quality of Life Program objectives of increasing physical activity levels in the Kingdom by 2030.
In line with this commitment, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, and SFA
Managing Director, Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, attended a range of meetings to facilitate
productive long-term collaborations between SFA and Peace and Sport. This included an
audience with H.S.H Prince Albert II of Monaco, as well as sit-downs with Peace and Sport
President and Founder Joël Bouzou and CEO Jean-Jérôme Perrin-Mortier.
Shaima Saleh Al-Husseini, the SFA MD, was also speaker at the forum, taking part in a session
entitled “Sport as a vector for gender equality”. During the talk, she emphasized the importance
of increasing women’s participation in sport-based programs, sport competitions and sport-
related occupations, reiterating that empowering girls and women is instrumental to social
development and building inclusive societies.
SFA President, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, said: “This agreement
reflects our common goals and values to use sport as a major tool to promote peace. Sport is
the most vital tool in enhancing communications between nations and people. Based on this
vision, we look forward to cooperating with Peace and Sport to launch successful community
sports initiatives and build the local capacity across different fields related to community sports
and contribute to an active healthy nation.”
Joël Bouzou, President and Founder, of Peace and Sport, said: “We are pleased to be working
with SFA to bolster Saudi Arabia’s sports infrastructure and enhance its already thriving sports
culture. This cooperation will help launch several new and innovative sports programs: first-of-
their-kind offerings that will transform communities and change lives for the better. SFA has
already proven its ability to host many large events that have gained wide popularity in the
Kingdom and around the world. We look forward to helping SFA achieve even more game-
changing feats, empowering people to build more inclusive and peaceful societies.”
As the main body responsible for developing community sports and raising physical activity
levels in Saudi Arabia, SFA proactively engages in and promotes international dialogue to
enhance sports in the Kingdom. Over the course of the past year, the Federation has
participated and played a leading role in events and gatherings such as 9 th International Society
for Physical Activity and Health Congress in Abu Dhabi, the 2022 Misk Global Forum, Sports
Industry Forum Abu Dhabi 2022, and the 27 th TAFISA World Congress.
