Lebanese Minister of Youth and Sports George Klass participated in the launch ceremony of the "ICESCO Year of Youth 2023," organized in the new administrative capital of Egypt by the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The Minister of Youth and Sports stated: "Upon the kind invitation from ICESCO and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Egypt, I am participating in the launch of the ICESCO Year of Youth 2023, which coincides with the celebrations of Beirut being the Capital of Arab Youth 2023." He added: "This is a significant occasion where ministers of scientific research and youth from Islamic countries meet to discuss youth issues, build capacities, and formulate future strategies and policies that align with the expectations of the generations and correspond to their professional aspirations and societal roles in establishing the foundations that prepare them to play an interactive role among peoples and communities."
Klass emphasized the values and principles of the "Youth Policy Document" approved by the Lebanese government in 2022, which responds to the concerns of youth in a changing world filled with challenges across various scientific, professional, economic, and social aspects, providing youth with the ability to adapt to the exceptional realities that may obstruct their life paths and align with their civilizational journey, in terms of belonging and commitment.
Klass addressed President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, saying: "I am deeply honored to be here among you, carrying the love of Lebanon and expressing gratitude to Egypt for all the fraternal support and assistance it continues to provide to Lebanon." He stated: "Allow me, Mr. President, to participate and witness: I am involved in the works of this visionary and promising future conference in the administrative capital, which is rooted in heritage and worthy of tomorrow, both in its architecture and urban aesthetic and advanced organization. I extend my thanks to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, on behalf of the President of the Lebanese Parliament, Mr. Nabih Berri, and the Prime Minister, Mr. Najib Mikati, and on behalf of the Lebanese people, for what Egypt provides to Lebanon in the fields of health, food, and economic and developmental areas, reiterating our thanks and appreciation for your efforts to help Lebanon overcome its crisis and complete the constitutional institutions by electing a new president before the vacancy turns into a void, integrating the Lebanese formula where celestial values meet and spirituality combines to elevate humanity to the ranks of peace.
I came to witness that words are effective and visions take action... At the global youth conference held in Sharm El-Sheikh in January 2022, you launched the call to 'Resume Civilization,' which is a commendable statement from a respected figure." Klass concluded: "I had the honor of considering these two calls as foundational slogans in my opening speech for Beirut as the Capital of Arab Youth 2023, which is attributed to His Excellency the Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi for designating Lebanon in this role. Thank you to ICESCO for the generous invitation to this celebration that embodies all youth aspirations and visions."
On the sidelines of the event, Sobhi held a lunch banquet in the Olympic City in the administrative capital in honor of the Lebanese minister, attended by a WADA delegation and senior officials from the ministry and the Olympic city. Klass met with the Secretary-General of ICESCO, Salem bin Malik, to discuss ways to strengthen relations between Lebanon and the organization and develop a comprehensive strategy for future work through joint youth, cultural, and social programs in which Lebanon would play an active role.
Minister Klass welcomed bin Malik's proposals and invited him to visit Lebanon for further communication and exchange of ideas, promising to maintain constant coordination with the organization within the framework of initiatives that concern youth and respond to their expectations, aspirations, and ambitions.
