Strengthening sport for development in the Middle East and North Africa

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, home to rich cultural heritage and a complex socio-political landscape has faced various challenges such as high youth unemployment, gender inequality and political instability. However, sports have emerged as a tool for social change, offering opportunities for engagement, empowerment and peacebuilding. 

Over the past few decades, sports for development (S4D) programs have had a profound impact in the MENA region. This initiative, which leverages the power of sports to foster social, economic and personal growth have touched countless lives in particular underserved communities. Sports for development programs in the MENA region began gaining momentum therefore in the early 2000s with various international, regional and local organization recognizing the transformative potential sports have. 

Two success stories mirror the wide influence sports for development have achieved. 

1. Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality

Women in the MENA region have often faced significant cultural, social and economic barriers. Sports have emerged as a powerful tool for challenging traditional gender roles and empowering women and girls to assert their rights. Programs like “Girl Power” in Egypt and “Women’s Sport Association” in Lebanon have provided women to engage in physical activity, gain confidence and develop leadership skills. 

2. Refugee Integration and Community Building

Given the region’s proximity to conflict zones such as Syria, Iraq and Yemen the MENA region has hosted millions of refugees. Sports for development programs have proven vital in supporting the integration of refugee communities helping them rebuild their lives and fostering their sense of belonging. Programs like “Football for Hope” led by FIFA and UNHCR have been pivotal in creating such opportunity for refugee youth to engage in football and other activities.

Lessons learned

1. One of the key factors behind the success of sports for development initiatives in the MENA region is the emphasis on local ownership. Programs that involves local communities in their design and implementation tend to have more sustainable impact. By engaging local leaders, coaches and stakeholders, programs ensure that they are culturally relevant and aligned with the specific needs of the community.
2. While sports can be an end in itself, the most successful programs in MENA have used sports as a tool for broader social change. This includes raising awareness about issues such as gender inequality, mental health and social exclusion. For Example, the “My Game is my Weapon” campaign in Lebanon used the visibility of women’s football to challenge stereotypes and promote the idea of women as strong, independent leaders. 

Without international support for these local initiatives sports for development cannot be achieved in a proper manner. International policy makers can support multilateral partnerships and coordination by funding regional platforms to foster dialogue and exchange of expertise. The Increasing of financial support and sustainable funding creates a more robust and sustainable environment for the availability of grants and loans. This helps in supporting capacity building for regional and local NGOs and Federations while encouraging the establishment of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track the outcomes and KPIs of the sports-based development initiatives. 

In Egypt, OKZ Sports Management, a dynamic newly established Sports Management Company has started a collaboration with Padelmba, a leading organization for padel coaching, to increase the capabilities of local coaches in Padel and help find better employment opportunities for them. OKZ works also in collaboration with CrEd to help youth find a healthy environment for unleashing their potential through arts and sports as well as training mentally disabled children, which is in alignment with the SDG10: Reduced Inequalities with a human rights-based inclusiveness and SDG16: Promote Peaceful and Inclusive Societies for Sustainable Development. The projects of OKZ aims to embody a thorough approach to fostering an atmosphere in which athletes, regardless of their gender identification and physical or mental condition, can participate, compete, and thrive free from the restraints of stereotyped expectations. 

One cannot leave out how through technological innovation, greater investment in infrastructure and strategic partnerships, the MENA region has the potential to become a global leader in sports development creating a brighter future for a more inclusive, peaceful and prosperous prospect for its people.

In conclusion, sports for development in the MENA region has proven to be more than just a means of entertainment or physical activity. As the MENA region continues to face challenges, sports will remain a powerful tool for shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and brighter future. As the region continues to address its challenges, sports will continue to play an increasingly significant role in foster youth empowerment, gender equality and social cohesion.

Banner image: Kevin Blankenship / Equal Playing Field