Riyadh: As part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Exhibition 'Advancing Sustainable Development in Saudi Arabia' during the 2026 United Nations High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), the Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA) showcased key initiatives to increase physical activity levels nationwide.
According to Saudi Press Agency, SFA Managing Director Shaima bint Saleh AlHusseini commented on the participation, stating that the federation has aligned national ambitions with global standards, establishing benchmarks to elevate physical activity across all age groups. The focus is on ensuring community, health, and environmental responsibility advance simultaneously. AlHusseini emphasized that sustainability is integrated into their mission, promoting active transport, zero-waste initiatives, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
The federation's exhibition emphasized community participation as a key driver of healthier societies and sustainable development. A highlight was the Riyadh Marathon Village 2026 model, which demonstrated the transformation of an underutilized space into an area encouraging movement and social interaction. The Riyadh Marathon has expanded significantly, growing from 10,000 to 50,000 participants, showcasing the Kingdom's efforts to promote physical activity.
The 'Move Your World' initiative asked, "What would our lives look like without movement?" through the fictional 'Museum of Extinct Mobility'. This narrative aimed to remind audiences of the importance of preserving physical activity. The exhibition also included SFA's Annual Reports, Corporate Strategy, and Wellbeing Blueprint Draft, providing insights into its strategic direction and achievements.
Under the theme 'Transformative, equitable, innovative and coordinated actions for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals,' the forum reviewed global progress toward achieving SDGs, including clean water and sanitation, affordable energy, sustainable cities, and partnerships for the goals.
Saudi Arabia's 2026 Voluntary National Review (VNR) highlighted SFA's contribution to promoting physical activity and wellness. The review noted that national participation in physical activity increased significantly, with adult participation reaching 59.1% by 2025. This VNR, Saudi Arabia's third since 2018, provided an overview of the Kingdom's progress and challenges in advancing the SDGs, with input from over 140 entities across various sectors.
The HLPF serves as the primary UN platform for reviewing progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and showcasing national initiatives contributing to sustainable development.