Cairo: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi recently convened a meeting with key government and military officials, including Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly, Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, and other senior figures, to discuss the advancement of youth and sports sectors in Egypt. The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, confirmed that the meeting tackled several crucial topics aimed at bolstering these sectors.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Dr. Ashraf Sobhi presented an overview of initiatives and programs designed to nurture children, youth, and athletes. From 2018 to 2025, a total of 532 programs are projected to benefit around 24 million children, while 1,150 youth initiatives aim to engage 70 million young people. Additionally, 928 sports programs are expected to serve 19 million participants.
Dr. Sobhi emphasized Egypt's holistic approach to youth and sports development. This strategy includes the role of sports and youth federations, youth cities and camps, sports and community clubs, and innovation and development centers. He elaborated on the Ministry's commitment to developing youth centers to empower young individuals across various fields, such as health, economic, cultural, scientific, digital, and political awareness, in collaboration with the private sector.
The economic impact of sports was also highlighted, with sports contributing 1.34% to the GDP. The financial return from partnerships in the youth and sports sectors is anticipated to reach EGP 34 billion by 2025, supported by 548 sports services companies. Dr. Sobhi also addressed the establishment of 1,028 youth centers under the Decent Life initiative and the progress in building youth development centers and upgrading sports facilities.
Institutional and legislative advancements were also discussed, including the restructuring of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, updates to the youth organizations law, and amendments to the sports law to ensure transparency and governance. The meeting underscored efforts to position Egypt as a leading hub for hosting international sports events and developing local talents.
President El-Sisi underscored the importance of nurturing the youth and promoting sports culture among Egyptians. He advocated for a scientific approach to enhance youth and sports activities, emphasizing the significance of investing in human capital for development and healthy upbringing. This focus aims to integrate physical fitness into Egyptians' lifestyles, contributing to the nation's overall health and development.