The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the Intergenerational Dialogue Forum on the Role of Youth in Preventing Violent Extremism through Sport, within the frame of the “Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events and the Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism,” led by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT), and the International Center for Sports Security (ICSS).

In her speech, Ms. Mbaye commended the Forum’s efforts in promoting peace and preventing violent extremism through sport, noting that it is in line with ICESCO’s vision and programs that put youth at the forefront of its priorities, stressing the need to involve them in building peace and addressing the challenges of societies as they have great potential and qualifications.

Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector, and Mr. Alioune Ndiaye, Program Manager in the Sector, represented ICESCO at the Forum on Thursday, June 23, 2022, which provided an opportunity to exchange views and ideas among the participating young leaders from the Middle East and North African region on the role of sport in combating and preventing extremism among youth.

She reviewed ICESCO’s programs and activities in the field of peacebuilding and combating violent extremism, mainly the Leadership Training Program in Peace and Security (LTIPS), which aims to train young men and women to enhance security and exchange experiences with inspiring leaders in the field.

Ms. Mbaye concluded her speech by noting that sport is an important means of respecting religious diversity, and at the same time, a tool for uniting peoples, breaking down barriers of hatred and strengthening bonds of friendship and brotherhood among nations to build the societies we want and bring about positive change for safe and sound future.

Mr. Alioune Ndiaye, stressed the importance ICESCO accords in promoting leadership among youth in the field of peace and security, based on sport to build resilient societies free from extremism and violence.