HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal Chairs the ISSF General Assembly Meeting
On Monday, November 27, 2023, HRH Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal, President of the ISSF chaired the 12th ISSF General Assembly meeting hosted by the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
HRH Al-Faisal extend his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz (may Allah protect them) for the generous support provided for promotion of ISSF activities. This support reflects their commitment to sponsoring the issues related to the youth and athletes of Islamic countries. HRH also acknowledged the significant financial and moral support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to enhance ISSF activities.
During his speech, HRH Al-Faisal extended his heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the people of Palestine, especially those in Gaza, who have been affected and witnessed the destruction of infrastructure, buildings, properties, sports venues and facilities, and youth centres. He emphasized that this situation hampers the progress of Palestinian sports.
HRH Al-Faisal stressed that the ISSF always looks forward to embodying the concept of “sports solidarity” among member countries. He highlighted that the new ISSF strategy, including programs and measurable steps, will contribute to the advancement of sports in member countries and support the youth in improving their capabilities and showcasing their talents on various platforms.
HE Amb. Tariq Ali Bakheet, the Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), pointed out the challenges facing the people of Palestine due to the Israeli authorities’ actions, including the killing of innocent civilians, suppression, violence, and the destruction of health, cultural, and sports facilities in the besieged Gaza Strip.
HE Bakheet highlighted the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which presided over the Islamic Summit under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, in hosting the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit on November 11, 2023, in Riyadh. The summit issued a resolution urging the international community to assume its responsibilities in protecting the oppressed Palestinian people and forming a ministerial committee for global action to end acts of violence.
During the General Assembly meeting, a speech was delivered by HE Lieutenant General Jibril Alrjoub, President of the Palestine Olympic Committee. He conveyed his appreciation for the support of Islamic nations and their solidarity with the Palestinian people amid the Israeli aggression targeting the inhabitants of Gaza.
Lieutenant General Alrjoub outlined the challenging circumstances that Gaza is undergoing due to these Israeli massacres, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, injuries, and the destruction of buildings and facilities. He emphasized that this destruction also extended to sports facilities, hindering the progress of athletes in Gaza, many of whom have become martyrs in recent weeks.
The General Assembly approved the extension of the term of the current ISSF Executive Board until after the conclusion of the 6th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2025.
The meeting also included a presentation on the ISSF strategic plan, approval on the new logo and branding, and approval on opening the bidding process for the 7th edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games in 2029.