Tirana, Albania – The 13th General Assembly of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) marked a pivotal moment in advancing its mission of fostering unity and collaboration among 57 Islamic nations through sport.
The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) stands as a beacon of unity, bringing together nations, communities, and individuals under the shared values of Islamic solidarity and mutual respect. Rooted in the principles of inclusivity, empowerment, and cultural appreciation, ISSA strives to strengthen bonds between diverse Islamic communities while celebrating their shared heritage.
Vision and Mission
ISSA envisions a world where sport acts as a unifying force, bridging divides and fostering harmony among Islamic nations and beyond. ISSA aspires to create a global environment of peace, understanding, and shared prosperity.
ISSA’s mission is to harness the universal language of sport to promote social cohesion, inspire youth, and elevate the values of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence. Through collaborative efforts, ISSA organizes sports events, educational initiatives, and cultural programs that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and encourage a spirit of collective progress.
ISSA Goals
The association is committed to advancing several key objectives:
- Promoting Unity
- Youth Empowerment
- Global Awareness
- Inclusion and Accessibility
Through dedication to these principles, ISSA continues to inspire hope, build bridges, and create a legacy of solidarity that resonates far beyond the field of play.
ISSA’s 13th General Assembly: Driving Unity and Progress
Held with a spirit of solidarity and shared purpose, the assembly welcomed 181 international guests and featured plenary sessions that brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from member nations, athletes, and organizational leaders. These sessions provided a platform to discuss strategic goals, review past achievements, and chart a collective path forward.
Key topics included enhancing youth engagement through sports programs, promoting inclusivity in all activities, and expanding partnerships to strengthen the global presence of Islamic solidarity in sports. The assembly emphasized the importance of leveraging sports as a tool for peacebuilding, cultural exchange, and societal development.
“We will start as from this moment to adopt a clear strategy for our objectives and vision with a definite and detailed work plan that would enable the ISSA to perform its role to promote sports in our Muslim World. I have every confidence and trust that we can do it.” HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal
Credit: Islamic Sports Solidarity Association (ISSA) and Albania National Olympic Committee
Hosted in Albania, the event symbolized the growing reach and inclusivity of ISSA’s mission, bringing together delegates from across the Islamic world to engage in meaningful dialogue and planning.
The plenary sessions in Albania served as a platform to discuss critical goals such as enhancing youth participation in sports, fostering interfaith and intercultural dialogue through athletic events, and building infrastructure to support grassroots development. Albania’s role as host highlighted its commitment to the values of solidarity and sportsmanship, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in advancing shared objectives.
As ISSA continues to expand its initiatives, the outcomes of the assembly and plenary sessions in Albania reinforce its mission to inspire cooperation, empower communities, and use sports as a transformative tool for unity and growth.
Sessions focused on themes including:
- Plenary Session 01: Making Sport a National Priority
- Plenary Session 02: Building the Elite Pathway
- Plenary Session 03: Thriving Through Collaboration
- Plenary Session 04: Empowering our Voice
- Plenary Session 05: Islamic Solidarity Games 2025
ISSA Secretary General Nasser Majali said: “Our future, united.This is the first step to building the railway, the first step we take in the right direction developing strength through our solidarity towards making a bigger impact for our member countries. We will own our goals, so it is imperative to build strength in a step by step process.”
The General Assembly was warmly greeted by the Mayor of Tirana on his birthday who said:
“Out of every crisis is an opportunity to live in harmony. The city of Tirana is honoured to welcome the ISSA and all member countries towards a bright future.”
Fostering Global Unity: Collaboration Between United Through Sports and ISSA
The growing partnership between United Through Sports (UTS) and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) offers an extraordinary opportunity to amplify their shared missions of unity, inclusion, and youth empowerment through sports. By combining their strengths, these organisations can create innovative programs, foster intercultural understanding, build the next generation of young leaders and inspire positive social change across diverse communities.
UTS President Stephan Fox said: “On behalf of UTS, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to HRH Prince Abdulaziz for his visionary leadership in fostering sporting and cultural exchange. Six years ago, HRH and the National Olympic and Paralympic Committee of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia became one of the first organizations to sign an MOU with UTS. We are excited to continue our cooperation with ISSA, always putting athletes of all abilities at the forefront of our efforts.”
Key Areas for Collaboration
Youth Empowerment Initiatives:
UTS and ISSA can co-develop programs that provide youth with access to sports and education. By integrating ISSA’s cultural values with UTS’s inclusive frameworks, they can create platforms that empower young people to become leaders and change-makers in their communities.
Inclusive Sporting Events:
Both organizations emphasize inclusion. Jointly organizing events such as adaptive sports competitions, multicultural games, or solidarity tournaments can bring together participants from diverse backgrounds, showcasing unity through diversity.
Educational Workshops and Forums:
UTS’s expertise in combining sports with educational opportunities can complement ISSA’s focus on fostering solidarity. Together, they can host workshops, leadership training, and forums that promote values like teamwork, resilience, and mutual respect.
Advancing Intercultural Dialogue:
UTS and ISSA share a vision of sports as a universal language. Collaborating on programs that highlight the cultural richness of Islamic communities while embracing global diversity can break down barriers and strengthen global understanding.
Global Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns:
Through joint advocacy, UTS and ISSA can amplify their voices to promote the importance of sports in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly those related to education, health, and social equality.
Shared Vision, Collective Impact:
A partnership between United Through Sports and ISSA has the potential to create a lasting legacy of unity, growth, and empowerment. By working together, both organizations can maximize their impact, inspiring a new generation to embrace the values of solidarity, inclusion, and collaboration for a better and brighter future.
UTS CEO Julia Govinden said: “This was the first sports event I have ever attended where the words brother and sister are used. Not only was this the most prestigious event for the 57 islamic countries to unite, it was an opportunity for us as a youth sport organisation to listen and learn. Cultural considerations play a key role in how we shape our events. Thanks to the ISSA, we have had the opportunity to delve into key considerations and as we prepare for 2025 we carry the knowledge shared with us.”
