Harnessing the power of sport: Driving inclusion and sustainable development in MENA

In December 2024, I participated in the Inclusive Football League Finals in Buenos Aires, Argentina organized by Asociación Civil Andar. The tournament brought together over 500 participants with intellectual disabilities, supported by a team of volunteers who themselves have intellectual disabilities. The event was more than just a football competition; it was a testament to the power of sport to empower marginalized communities. Beyond the matches, the organization provided opportunities for participants to showcase their skills in areas like farming, catering, cooking, and sustainability workshops.

During the final tournament, I delivered a football for development workshop to over 20 participants, and I noticed something remarkable. The participants were more motivated to achieve the workshop’s developmental goals than scoring football goals. This reflects how sport can inspire personal growth and teamwork. Moreover, the warmth and friendliness of the Argentinians left a lasting impression. They treated me not as a guest but as a member of their family, demonstrating the unifying power of sport.

At the United by Sport Festival 2024 in Paris, organized by Sport dans la Ville and held alongside the Olympic Games, I delivered a workshop similar to the one in Argentina. The activity involved participants playing football freely for 10 minutes, identifying challenges they faced, and collaboratively creating new rules to address those challenges. For instance, when participants noticed communication issues due to their unfamiliarity with teammates, they introduced a rule requiring silent play, fostering non-verbal communication. Similarly, to address gender inequality—where female players received the ball less frequently than male players—participants created a rule that required every team member to touch the ball before a goal could be scored.

What stood out was the diversity of the participants. Despite coming from different cultures, speaking different languages, and having varied experiences, everyone shared a common passion for football. This passion became a foundation for addressing broader issues like gender equality and teamwork, showcasing how sport can transcend barriers and unite people around shared goals.

These experiences offer valuable insights for strengthening the role of sport in the MENA region. Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) initiatives can be tailored to address regional challenges such as social inclusion, youth empowerment, and gender equality. Football, with its universal appeal, can be a key driver of these efforts. By fostering collaborative activities that encourage participants to identify and address challenges, we can empower communities to create innovative solutions.

Moreover, integrating sport with vocational training and sustainable practices, as seen in Argentina, can have economic and environmental benefits. Providing individuals with opportunities to develop skills beyond the field ensures long-term impact, aligning with SDGs related to decent work, economic growth, and sustainability.

To strengthen the SDP sector in the MENA region, international policymakers and local organizations should prioritize inclusive and participatory programs. These initiatives must not only focus on sports but also integrate educational and vocational components, ensuring a holistic approach to development. Platforms like Generation Amazing Foundation and events such as the Inclusive Football League in Argentina and Festival 2024 in Paris provide blueprints for how this can be achieved.

Sport is more than just a game; it is a tool for empowerment, a bridge across cultures, and a catalyst for achieving sustainable development. By harnessing its potential, the MENA region can foster a brighter, more inclusive future for its communities.

About the author

Mohammed Al-Qassabi is an Information Systems graduate from Carnegie Mellon University Qatar and a current Master’s student in AI and Cybersecurity. He works at Qatar Energy with the Cybersecurity team and leads the Robotics and AI Department at Qatar Scientific Club. Mohammed is the inventor of OPAS, an award-winning system that combines his expertise in AI and passion for football to enhance refereeing and player safety. Recognized globally, he has been awarded multiple prestigious accolades, including the Platinum Award for Education Excellence.