Planning Ministry Unveils Targets for Youth and Sports Sector in FY 2023/2024

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development has unveiled targets for the youth and sports sector in the fiscal year 2023/2024 in a comprehensive report.

H.E. Dr. Hala El Said, Minister of Planning and Economic Development, emphasized the sector's economic significance in contributing to sustainable development goals. She highlighted its pivotal role in youth development, citing how physical education nurtures personal skills, fosters teamwork values, and encourages community engagement.

The report outlines ambitious targets for the youth and sports sector in the 2023/2024 fiscal year. It includes 339 projects, comprising 159 completion projects and 180 projects slated for completion within the fiscal year. Notable initiatives in sports services involve establishing three sports cities and completing construction and development of 53 sports stadiums, including five major stadiums in Port Said, Mansoura, New Valley, Arish, and Al-Tur. Additionally, four clubs for people with disabilities will be completed, along with nine swimming pools and nine halls. The plan also encompasses the development and completion of 14 sports medicine hospitals, including the establishment of the Sports Medicine Hospital in Cairo.

In the realm of youth services, the plan aims to complete the construction and development of six youth cities in Alexandria, Luxor, New Valley, Aswan, Port Said, and Hurghada. Initiatives include the development of the youth city in Abu Qir, establishment and development of two civil education centers and 11 scout facilities, as well as equipping 100 youth facilities across governorates. Furthermore, the plan involves completing and establishing 10 youth camps, including Ras Sidr, Al-Tur, Al-Qarsh in Ismailia, and Gamasa in Dakahlia, establishing and developing 229 youth centers in governorates, and establishing and developing youth centers as part of the initial phase of the Decent Life initiative.

The report highlights significant achievements in the sector, with the implementation of 111 programs aimed at building the Egyptian human, 35 programs for national security protection, six programs to enhance employment levels, and 18 programs focused on economic development and improving government performance. This translates to approximately 16.4 million participation opportunities for youth across all programs, along with the organization of 75 international and regional tournaments. Other accomplishments include the development of 315 five-a-side stadiums, the establishment and development of 48 administrative buildings, 31 walls, 300 sports equipment centers, 150 fitness halls, three covered halls in sports clubs, five swimming pools, a sports medicine unit, 32 open sports fields, the completion of six sports clubs, a sports complex, and the establishment of two clubs for people with special needs. Additionally, 41 youth centers have been completed as part of the Decent Life initiative, funded by the ministry's budget, along with approximately 575 centers from the budget of the Engineering Authority and the Ministry of Housing.