The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in partnership with the Moroccan Federation of Associations Working in the Field of Intellectual Disability and the National Federation of Specialized Physical and Sports Activities, organized an international conference titled “Sports, Diversity and Inclusion,” with the participation of experts and specialists in education, social inclusion, and youth capacity building, as well as a number of Paralympic sports champions. The conference discussed ways to build more inclusive societies through the integration of persons with disabilities into the field of sports.

The opening session of the conference, held on Monday, 6 April 2026, at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, began with recitations from the Holy Quran delivered by the reciter with disabilities, Abdelrahman El-Zayne. This was followed by an address by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, delivered on his behalf by Dr. Abdelillah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General. At the outset of his remarks, he commended the efforts of the Kingdom of Morocco in promoting sports as a key driver for strengthening social cohesion and achieving health and well-being.

He emphasized that inclusive sports offer individuals an opportunity to assert themselves within society and contribute to its development, in addition to fostering healthy lifestyles that help build a cohesive community. He noted that this approach is consistent with the teachings of Islam, which promote solidarity and support for the most vulnerable groups.

He further highlighted ICESCO’s commitment to leveraging sports as a tool for social rehabilitation and peacebuilding through the “Sport for Social Change” initiative, which encompasses a package of programs and projects. He concluded by calling for inclusive sports programs, staff training that embraces the importance of diversity, and a leadership role for persons with disabilities, placing them at the heart of the sports scene, not on its margins.

For her part, Ms. Amina Bouayach, President of the National Human Rights Council of Morocco, affirmed that diversity and inclusion are fundamental principles in the field of human rights and are not limited to persons with disabilities alone, but extend to all segments of society regardless of race, gender, or religion.

Dr. Fadwa Rih, Head of the Division of Women’s Affairs at the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, pointed out that adaptive sports are of particular importance as a key entry point for achieving the effective inclusion of persons with disabilities, as they provide opportunities to express abilities, enhance self-confidence, and consolidate the principle of equal opportunities.

Mr. Abdelaziz Drouiche, President of the Council of the Prefecture of Rabat, reviewed Morocco’s efforts to support and protect human rights in general, and the rights of persons with disabilities in particular, through a multidimensional approach. Ms. Nadia Attia, President of the Moroccan Federation of Associations Working in the Field of Intellectual Disability, shed light on the challenges facing women and girls with disabilities.

In turn, Mr. Mounir Maissour, President of the National Federation of Physical Activities and Adapted Sports in Morocco, stressed that achieving full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in sports goes beyond ensuring access alone and requires the removal of barriers.

Following the opening session, chaired by Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector at ICESCO, the first session discussed the theme “Sports and Disability: Law, Practice and Public Duty,” while the second session focused on “Sports and Inclusion: Challenges and Prospects.”