"The first preparatory expert meeting for the Ministers of Youth and Sports of the Sahel and Sahara Countries commenced in Tripoli."

The first meeting of experts from the Ministries of Youth and Sports of the Sahel and Sahara Countries (CEN-SAD) took place this morning, Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the Corinthia Hotel in the capital, Tripoli. This meeting serves as preparation for the fourth session of the meeting of Ministers of Youth and Sports of the CEN-SAD countries. High-level delegations from the member countries of the CEN-SAD gathered to chart a path for enhanced cooperation in empowering youth and developing sports.

The Ministry of Youth of the Government of National Unity is hosting the preparatory meetings and the fourth session, which will last for three days. The official session was opened by Ms. Randa Ghareeb, the Deputy Minister of Youth of Libya, in the presence of senior officials and representatives from the 25 member countries of CEN-SAD.

Ms. Ghareeb, in her capacity as the chair of the preparatory meeting of senior officials for the Council of Ministers of Youth and Sports of the CEN-SAD, extended greetings to all participating delegations, welcoming them to Libya, the country that founded the CEN-SAD over a quarter of a century ago. She affirmed Libya's readiness to implement the joint work commitments in youth development and sports promotion for a promising future in this vibrant African space.

In his opening speech, the Secretary-General of CEN-SAD, Adu Al-Hajji, emphasized the pivotal role of youth as agents of change and pillars of sustainable development in the region. He stressed the importance of enhancing youth potential and creating an enabling environment to achieve their aspirations.

The agenda of the fourth meeting covers a range of issues, including the development of youth training and exchange initiatives, reviewing national efforts in promoting sports, youth care, facilities, and services tailored to them, enhancing active youth participation in shaping public policies, reviving festive activities for youth programs and joint sports events, and strengthening cooperation with regional and international organizations.