Geneva, March 1, 2025 – The Kingdom’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, in collaboration with the Ministry of Sport, the Human Rights Commission, and in partnership with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the World Health Organization (WHO), recently hosted a groundbreaking seminar titled “Tolerance and Inclusivity in Sport: A Catalyst for Promoting Human Rights.” The seminar was organized on the sidelines of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, underscoring the critical intersection of sport, human rights, and global development.
The event brought together a diverse array of international officials, prominent human rights advocates, sports experts, and elite athletes. Together, they shared insights on the essential role that sport plays in promoting values of tolerance, equality, and respect for human rights across the world. Speakers emphasized that sport transcends national boundaries, cultural differences, and socioeconomic barriers, positioning it as one of the most powerful tools for fostering mutual understanding and peace among people from diverse backgrounds.
Notably, representatives from the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) provided a compelling overview of the significant transformation occurring within Saudi Arabia’s sport sector. They highlighted how the country’s Saudi Vision 2030 plan has been instrumental in creating an environment where sport is not only seen as an essential part of national life but also as a fundamental right for all individuals. The ambitious initiatives launched under this vision aim to empower citizens by increasing their participation in a wide range of sports activities, while also promoting competitive sports both domestically and internationally.
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in sports has become a core component of its broader efforts to drive social change, enhance personal well-being, and promote international cooperation. In particular, the Vision 2030 strategy has placed a strong emphasis on making sport accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, or ability, in order to promote a healthier and more active society. The Ministry of Sport’s initiatives are aligned with global efforts to use sports as a tool to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to good health and well-being, gender equality, and reducing inequalities.
The seminar also served as a platform for engaging in critical discussions about how global sports organizations, governments, and civil society can work together to build more inclusive and equitable sporting environments. Participants underscored the need for greater representation and opportunities for marginalized groups, ensuring that everyone has access to the transformative power of sport.
In her keynote speech, a senior representative from the OHCHR emphasized that the human rights framework should be central to all sport-related policies, programs, and actions. She remarked that sport, in its purest form, is an expression of human dignity, and it is vital that its role in fostering human rights be recognized and enhanced globally. The WHO, for its part, reiterated that sports play a key role in advancing public health objectives, noting that inclusive and accessible sporting opportunities contribute to improved physical and mental health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations.
The discussions at the seminar reinforced the idea that sport is not just an activity; it is a powerful catalyst for social change, serving as a platform to promote unity, understanding, and the shared values that are essential to the protection and promotion of human rights worldwide. With support from key international organizations and strategic initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s commitment to using sport as a tool for good continues to shine on the global stage, reinforcing the critical need for a unified approach to human rights and inclusivity.
As the world continues to grapple with complex global challenges, it is clear that the values of tolerance, respect, and human dignity promoted through sport can serve as a beacon for progress, peace, and solidarity across nations.