Membership approves united approach to advancing sport development at ISSA Session

The Session was chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association, who praised the significant achievements accomplished during the Session, saying: 

"At the conclusion of our work today, we discussed several topics that will drive us towards achieving the aspirations and ambitions of athletes in our Islamic countries. Over the past two days, cooperation among all participants has been fundamental in building a shared path to further progress and prosperity for ISSA and its future, God willing. We thank everyone for their sincere efforts."

The Session brought together representatives from the National Olympic Committees of the member states, in addition to prominent figures from the Olympic Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and non-governmental organizations.

It began with a Board of Directors workshop on Monday 16 December, and was followed on Tuesday 17 December by engaging thematic sessions which provided opportunities for the ISSA membership to input on the organization’s exciting future.

Four strategic goals were presented to the ISSA Session: promoting the elevation of sports on the national agenda as a key driver of social and economic impact, strengthening athlete pathways and fortifying event hosting capabilities, harnessing collective knowledge, data and innovation to shape a stronger future for sport, and ensuring cultural needs are recognised by all stakeholders.

These thematic sessions featured panel discussions with high-profile speakers, who provided a diversity of perspectives from across the ISSA’s membership. They were followed by question-and-answer opportunities, enabling NOC delegates to offer their thoughts and provoke further discussion on each of the four strategic goals.

The four strategic goals will guide the ISSA as it plays a leading role in advancing sport development across the Movement, unlocking its full potential as a sports community united by shared values. Supporting programs which will help to achieve these strategic goals were also introduced to the ISSA’s membership.

In addition to these thematic sessions, there was also a dedicated interactive workshop on the Islamic Solidarity Games Riyadh 2025. 

The 6th edition of the ISSA’s flagship event marks a return to Saudi Arabia, which held the inaugural edition in 2005. It will set inspiring new standards in how the Islamic Solidarity Games serves as a sustainable sporting festival to showcase peace and enable athletes to thrive.

The final day of the ISSA Session featured the 41st ISSA Board of Directors meeting, which approved the strategic goals and the ISSA’s role in delivering on them for the benefit of the wider sports movement.

This was followed by the 13th ISSA General Assembly, which formally adopted the strategic goals and established a collective commitment to advancing sports development across the 57 member nations.