The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sports as a tool for empowerment, peace, and inclusion during its participation in the Third African Forum on Gender Equality in Sports, held in Bujumbura, Republic of Burundi, in the presence of His Excellency President Évariste Ndayishimiye and First Lady Angeline Ndayishimiye.

Organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ACNOA), in cooperation with the Burundi National Olympic Committee (CNO) and with support from the Government of Burundi, the event brought together ministers, policymakers, and prominent figures from the sports world to discuss concrete mechanisms for advancing gender balance and empowering women and girls through sports participation.

ICESCO was represented at the forum by Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Director of Social and Human Sciences Sector, who delivered a speech during the session titled “Sport and Social Inclusion: Sport as a Driver of Peace, Inclusion and Resilience for Women.” She outlined ICESCO’s strategic approach to integrating sports into its programs as a means of promoting gender equality, strengthening social cohesion, and contributing to sustainable development across Member States.

Ms. Mbaye underlined that ICESCO’s “Sport for Social Change” initiative places women and youth at the heart of action by enhancing leadership opportunities, encouraging girls’ participation in sports, and supporting the development of inclusive and ethical sports policies. She presented several of the Organization’s innovative projects, including sports camps that support the rehabilitation and reintegration of vulnerable children and youth, as well as the ICESCO Marathon, which reflects the Organization’s belief in sports as a platform for solidarity and economic inclusion.