Forum Introduction:
The Peace and Sport Middle East Forum, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aims to explore the untapped potential of sport in promoting peace and igniting a powerful movement beyond boundaries.

Welcoming Remarks:
Wa’am Dakhil, a Saudi journalist and TV presenter, welcomes attendees to the inaugural Peace and Sport Middle East Forum.

Importance of the Forum:
Mark Murray, a former athlete and MC, emphasizes the significance of the forum in the current international situation.

Objectives of the Forum:
The forum aims to explore opportunities, share success stories, exchange ideas, and create a lasting legacy of peace through sport.

Keynote Speech by Joel Bouzou:
Joel Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport, addresses the forum.

Gratitude and Vision Alignment:
Bouzou expresses gratitude to Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal for his role in organizing the forum and shares their common vision of sport as a tool for equity and peace.

Sport as a Driving Force for Change:
Bouzou highlights the importance of sport in fostering a prosperous and dynamic society, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

Appreciation for Prince Albert II of Monaco:
Bouzou acknowledges the unwavering support of Prince Albert II of Monaco as the patron of Peace and Sport.

Achievements and Impact:
Bouzou presents evidence of Peace and Sport’s successful approach, including the WhiteCard campaign, partnerships, and grassroots mentoring programs.

Champions for Peace:
Bouzou emphasizes the role of athletes as Champions for Peace, using their influence to inspire and change lives.

Title and Pillars for Progress:
Bouzou asserts that sport is an answer for peace, not a question, and outlines three pillars for progress: supporting athletes’ social commitment, enhancing the impact of major sporting events, and building coalitions for best practices.

Role of Youth:
Bouzou highlights the crucial role of youth in shaping the future and becoming active peacemakers.

Conclusion:
Bouzou expresses hope that the forum will reinforce the belief that sport is an answer for peace and assures continued commitment despite challenges.

Peace and Sport Synergizes with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030:
The Peace and Sport Middle East Forum’s opening remarks emphasized the alignment between the event’s objectives and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The forum’s focus on peace and sport as tools for positive change resonates with the Kingdom’s broader goals.

Welcome and Appreciation:
The event’s host, Wa’am Dakhil, expressed gratitude to Mr. Joel Bouzou for his inspiring speech and highlighted the importance of sport as a key to peace. Dakhil also thanked Prince Albert II of Monaco for his unwavering commitment to peace through sports, acknowledging his role in bringing the forum participants together.

Saudi Arabia’s Support for the Forum:
The hosting of the forum reflects the Kingdom’s dedication to promoting compassion and peace worldwide. Saudi Arabia’s leadership, including King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, has provided support for the event, underscoring their commitment to these ideals.

Saudi Arabia’s Growing Role in Global Sports:
The forum’s opening remarks acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s increasing prominence in the international sporting arena. The Kingdom’s emergence as a significant player in global sports underscores its commitment to fostering peace and understanding through athletic competition.

Welcome and Introduction:
Saudi Arabia hosts numerous sporting events, competitions, and international events to promote sports and peace. The forum aims to achieve the values of peace and sportsmanship, exploring ways for sports to foster dialogue and understanding among nations.

Sport’s Impact on Saudi Youth and Vision 2030:
Sport is a vital part of Saudi daily life, greatly impacting the youth. The Quality of Life program and Vision 2030 objectives reflect the national priority given to sports. This commitment will bring significant changes, positively influencing social cohesion.

First Middle East Peace and Sport Forum:
The forum emphasizes Saudi Arabia’s dedication to sports and its impact as a peace-building tool. The event highlights the collaboration between the Kingdom and peace and sport entities.

Monaco’s Commitment to Peace and Sport:
Monaco attaches great importance to sustainable peace, recognizing sport’s unique ability to unite people and rebuild communities. Prince Albert II expresses satisfaction with Peace and Sport’s global recognition and leadership.

Joel Bouzu’s Contribution:
Joel Bouzu is credited for initiating the Peace and Sport movement, dedicating his life to promoting peace through sports.

Prince Albert’s Gratitude and Support for Peace and Sport Initiative:
Prince Albert II of Monaco expressed his gratitude for the work accomplished by Joel Bouzou and the Peace and Sport team since 2007. He reaffirmed his confidence and support for the next phases of this major initiative.

Sports as a Force for Sustainable Peace and Social Integration:
Prince Albert emphasized the importance of putting the values of sport at the service of sustainable peace and making it a driving force for social integration for the most disadvantaged. He described this cause as one of the most beautiful causes that man can defend.

Growing Success of Peace Through Sport:
Prince Albert noted the growing success of Peace Through Sport over the years, attributing it to the inspiration it provides and its impact on human dignity, regardless of the number of people it reaches. He expressed satisfaction with the vibrancy and diversity of initiatives launched by Peace and Sport worldwide, highlighting the opportunities for development and expansion.

Role of Athletes as Role Models and Ambassadors of Peace:
Prince Albert emphasized the decisive role of athletes as role models and ambassadors of peace. He was delighted to see more and more athletes taking action and getting involved in programs that promote social cohesion. As an Olympian himself, Prince Albert valued the support of over 100 international athletes within the Champions for Peace Club.

Peace Through Sport as a Soft Diplomacy Tool:
Prince Albert recognized Peace Through Sport as a concept that is gaining ground, sometimes taking unexpected paths. He described it as part of the soft diplomacy needed to address global challenges such as hunger and conflicts. While acknowledging its failures, Prince Albert emphasized that Peace Through Sport remains a bet on intelligence and a living approach that helps change mindsets.

Relevance of the Forum’s Title: “Sport is an Answer to Peace”:
Prince Albert found the forum’s title, “Sport is an Answer to Peace,” particularly appropriate, especially in troubled times and in the context of Saudi Arabia. He encouraged participants to identify initiatives to meet the challenges faced by the peace through sport community.

Prince Albert’s Support for the Forum and Wishes for Success:
Prince Albert expressed his full support for the forum’s success and encouraged concrete and effective work to address the challenges. He wished everyone an excellent forum, success in their endeavors, and an enjoyable stay in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.