An International Electronic Workshop Entitled “Sports at the Service of Sustainable Development”<br />The International Center for Media and Sustainable Development, and in cooperation with the International Friendship Organization and Al-Mustaqbal University College has organized a workshop under the title<br />“Sports at the Service of Sustainable Development”<br />Several lecturers coming from different countries have participated in the workshop, starting with Dr. Iman Talhi from Algeria who has clarified that Sustainable Development meets the needs of the present without leaving any negative effect on future requirements of the new generations. On the contrary, sustainable development shall assist in placing future plans for these generations. Moreover, she has given details about the developmental plan of the 2030 agenda, which includes achievement of the 17 SDGs, clarifying that the main objective of these goals is not to leave anybody behind. She has also pointed out the indicators of these SDGS, referring meanwhile to the Arab countries that came on top of the 2019 ranking, and they are Algeria, United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia, and Jordan. <br />Dr. Zuhair Shamma from Iraq has come next, giving more clarification about the concept of sustainable development focusing on the work of the Center in its different specializations with its trend to achieve the UN SDGs, including sports.<br />On the other hand, Dr. Mazin Gzaz from Iraq as well has clarified that sports is the most favorable road that leads to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, referring to Gandhi’s statement which says, “Build up a stadium and shut down a hospital”. He has confirmed that an athlete often develops his cognitive and innovative abilities through sports. Moreover, sports rejects racism and sectarianism among individuals and societies, simply because sport-teams consist of several societies. The ideal solution therefore is to achieve the sustainable development by spreading the spirit of love and cooperation among the members of society through sports.<br />It is remarkable to note however that Dr. Maryam Ahmed Abdallah Abu-Aleem from Jordan has raised the idea in which sports is considered as a globally acceptable platform, which has great effect on sustainable development, clarifying that the goals to be adopted mostly are health, education and biological diversity. Through her lecture, Dr. Maryam has referred to scientific research with an emphasis on the one conducted in 2021 under the title, “Localization of Health Related SDGs Through Sports in China”. She has showed her research interests, which promote public health as part of sustainable development goals by improving the levels of physical activities. Meanwhile, she has focused on the necessity to investigate the cultural barriers that may prevent females from participating in sports. <br />Dr. Mazin Abdul Hadi Al-Shimmeri from Iraq has confirmed the unique role of sports in achieving development and peace due to its role in encouraging for respect, and forgiveness as well as enabling all members of society to accomplish the required goals in the fields of health, education and social integration. Finally, he has referred to the developed countries of the world as an example, and how they have benefited from sports to achieve progress.<br />Mr. Muhammad Badr Abdallah Bu-Dawas from Bahrain has mentioned an example about how his country has added new sports during the quarantine period, such as the “Padel Sport” for instance, in addition to a number of initiatives taken by the Ministry of Youth & Sports, including “Stay Flexible’ and “Stay Active”.<br />Ms. Aisha Zarroug from Morocco has stated an example about her country, and how they have adopted the “Eyeball Sports’ and thus achieving the development goal of equity. Sports, in fact, are practiced as mixed, and they are social activities, which do not require great abilities. They are practiced anywhere by any gender, at any age.