AMMAN – Minister of Youth and Sports and Chairman of the Executive Office of the Council of Arab Youth and Sports Ministers Dr Ashraf Sobhi on Wednesday participated in the official inauguration of “Amman, Capital of Arab Youth 2025” and the launch of the executive plan for the Arab Strategy for Youth, Peace, and Security 2023-2028.
The event, held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, commenced on July 8 and runs until July 10 in the Jordanian capital.
During his address, Sobhi emphasised the critical role of Arab youth, stating, “Arab youth are the safety valve of the nation and its future.”
He highlighted that the launch of the Youth and Peace Strategy represents “a serious Arab step to confront violence and extremism,” and reiterated a steadfast commitment to youth empowerment: “We are committed to empowering youth to be partners in decision-making, not merely recipients, and Egypt is a leading model in youth empowerment.”
Sobhi described Amman as a powerful symbol, proclaiming, “Amman today represents a symbol of Arab youth unity and shared ambition.”
He asserted that “Youth are not just waiting to be listened to… they deserve to be involved in planning and implementation.”
The inauguration ceremony saw wide attendance from Arab youth and sports ministers, including representatives from the UAE, Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Somalia, Lebanon, Egypt, and the Deputy Minister of Sports of Saudi Arabia.
The event began with a welcoming speech from Yazan Hussein Al-Shdaifat, Jordan’s Minister of Youth and Chairman of the Youth Support Committee, who stressed the importance of enhanced communication and cooperation among Arab youth.
A significant moment of the ceremony was Sobhi’s invitation to officially launch “Amman, Capital of Arab Youth” and receive the key to “Tripoli, Capital of Arab Youth for 2024,” a tradition symbolizing the continuity of Arab youth leadership.
The flag of “Amman, Capital of Arab Youth 2025” was subsequently raised, marking the official commencement of the year’s activities.
In his speech, Sobhi conveyed greetings and appreciation from His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, President of Egypt, to all participants.
He underscored the Egyptian political leadership’s firm belief in youth as the nation’s hope and driving force.
“Youth are the focus of national and regional policies, and our participation today embodies a unified Arab vision that places youth at the forefront of priorities and believes in their role in shaping a stable and prosperous future,” Sobhi stated.
He further elaborated that the launch of “Amman, Capital of Arab Youth 2025,” under His Majesty King Abdullah II’s patronage, serves as a crucial platform for fostering communication and sharing successful experiences among Arab youth. Additionally, he affirmed that the executive plan for the Arab Strategy for Youth, Peace, and Security represents “a true starting point in supporting the role of youth in confronting extremism and instilling a culture of peace.”
Sobhi affirmed the Executive Office’s commitment to collaborating with member states and the Council’s technical secretariat to ensure the strategy’s practical implementation and its transformation into tangible programs benefiting youth across Arab capitals.
He highlighted Egypt’s comprehensive model for youth empowerment, encompassing education, entrepreneurship, innovation, and volunteerism.
Concluding his remarks, Sobhi reiterated strong support for Jordan’s organization of this pivotal Arab Youth Year, stating, “We renew our full support for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in organizing this important Arab Youth Year, and we affirm our unwavering support for our youth, providing them with the support, empowerment, and spaces for creativity and active participation they deserve.”
