Cairo, May 27, 2021, SPA -- The Council of Arab Ministers for Youths and Sports today virtually held its 44th regular session under the chairmanship of Yemen, with the participation of the Assistant Secretary-General for Social Affairs at the Arab League Haifa Abu Ghazaleh. In a speech on behalf of the secretary-general of the Arab league Ahmad Aboul Gheit, Abu Ghazaleh expressed appreciation of the Ministers of Youths and Sports for their tireless efforts to advance youths and sports in the Arab world, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, which posed a humanitarian and a health crisis that affected all aspects of life, calling on all concerned parties in the Arab world to increase investment in youths and work to integrate them economically, socially and politically in the efforts of economic and social development. Aboul Gheit indicated that the council’s agenda during this session includes many important youths and sports initiatives, including the celebration of Baghdad, as the capital of Arab youths, the launch of the Excellence Award for Arab Youths, the Nile Ship Initiative for Arab Youths, in addition to discussing the Great Arab Sports Games and other topics that contribute to promoting joint Arab action in the fields of Arab youths and sports. For his part, Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports, President of the 66th session of the Executive Office of the Council Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, reiterated the importance of rallying and uniting efforts and capabilities, intensifying Arab activities and diversity in programs and projects, embracing youths, listening to their ideas and demands, continuing to develop their skills and abilities, and providing all the services they desire to enhance their participation in development for the benefit of the Arab world. --SPA 21:44 LOCAL TIME 18:44 GMT 0037 www.spa.gov.sa/w1563306