The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a bilateral partnership aimed at promoting sport as a driver of peace, solidarity, and social cohesion; empowering the youth through sport and volunteerism; enhancing women’s participation and leadership in sport; promoting cultural dialogue, innovation and sustainable human development; and fostering the inclusion of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), attended the signing ceremony. The MoU was signed by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, Director-General of ICESCO, and Dr. Nasser Majali, Secretary General of ISSA, on Saturday, 12 September 2026, in Taif, Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the ISSA General Assembly.

The five-year MoU provides for the development of joint programs and initiatives and the organization of international sports conferences and events aimed at promoting physical and mental health and overall well-being for all, supporting the concept of cultural diplomacy through sport, advancing research and innovation in the field of Sports for Social Impact, and facilitating partnerships and resource mobilization for initiatives benefiting communities in ICESCO Member States and beyond.

Under the terms of the MoU, the two sides will launch joint initiatives to prepare a select group of young athletes to serve as ambassadors for their countries in the fields of peace and dialogue, and to recognize inspiring role models who embody the values of fair play and contribute to serving their communities. The MoU also provides for ISSA’s participation in organizing ICESCO’s annual marathon and efforts to expand its reach across the Islamic world, as well as ICESCO’s participation through cultural initiatives during the Islamic Solidarity Games, starting with the next edition, to be hosted by the State of Selangor, Malaysia, in 2029.