Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi was officially elected President of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport (CIGEPS) during a meeting held at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
Representatives of the committee’s newly elected Executive Bureau participated in the official procedures.
Ambassador of Egypt to Paris Tarek Dahroug and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO represented Egypt and participated in the successful voting process.
CIGEPS is recognized as one of the most crucial intergovernmental bodies within the UN system dedicated to physical education and sport.
This position represents the highest-ranking UN post specifically dedicated to sports policy.
The election followed the establishment of the Executive Bureau, which comprises one representative from each of UNESCO’s six geographical groups.
Egypt was elected to represent the Arab States Group, alongside the United Kingdom (WEOG), Kenya (African Group), Costa Rica (GRULAC), the Cook Islands (ASPAC), and Slovenia/Croatia (EEG).
Sobhi’s unanimous election by these six member states underscores a powerful international consensus.
The Minister confirmed that his chairmanship of CIGEPS is an “international responsibility added to my national duties as Minister of Youth and Sports,” and does not imply any change to his ministerial post.
Rather, it significantly “enhances Egypt’s role and representation in international forums.”
Sobhi expressed profound gratitude for the international confidence shown in him, thanking His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El Sisi for his steadfast support of youth and sports initiatives, which enabled Egypt to assume a leading global role.
He also extended his appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs for their crucial cooperation in securing this historic victory.
This unprecedented achievement places Egypt at the helm of the most important UN platform specializing in sports policy, positioning the nation to lead global efforts in promoting inclusive sport, supporting developing countries, and advancing physical education systems in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sobhi affirmed that under Egypt’s presidency, CIGEPS will intensify its efforts to increase international participation, develop impactful partnerships with governments and UN organizations, and strengthen the role of sport as a driving force for development, peace, and social inclusion across the world.
