UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Sport and in coordination with the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee (SOPC), marked World Refugee Day with a public awareness event at Boulevard City in Riyadh. The initiative highlighted the transformative role of sport in fostering hope, resilience, inclusion, and opportunities for refugees around the world.
The event brought together members of the Saudi community for a range of interactive activities designed to demonstrate how sport can help displaced individuals rebuild confidence, strengthen social connections, and pursue their ambitions. Visitors participated in sporting experiences organized by several Saudi sports federations, including the Saudi Rowing Federation, Saudi Cycling Federation, Saudi Table Tennis Federation, Saudi Cricket Federation, and Saudi Badminton Federation.
Through these activities, the event showcased the ability of sport to unite people from different backgrounds while promoting the values of respect, friendship, and solidarity. It also highlighted the inspiring journeys of refugee athletes who have reached some of the world’s most prestigious sporting stages, including the Olympic Games, proving that access to opportunity can unlock remarkable potential.
World Refugee Day, observed annually on 20 June, honors the courage, strength, and resilience of millions of people forced to flee conflict, violence, and persecution. This year’s event emphasized the importance of creating pathways for refugees, particularly young people, to access opportunities that support their personal development and future aspirations.
Nadjia Hafsa, Deputy Representative to UNHCR in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, said that sport is often far more than a recreational activity for refugees.
“For refugees, sport is often much more than a game. It is a powerful source of hope, inclusion, and empowerment. It helps young people rebuild confidence, forge meaningful connections, and look to the future with optimism. Through this joint initiative with the Saudi Ministry of Sport and in coordination with the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee, we celebrate the resilience and determination of refugees and renew our commitment to ensuring that every young person is given the chance to develop their talents and achieve their full potential.”
Representatives from UNHCR, the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the Ministry of Sport, participating sports federations, and Saudi athletes attended the event, reflecting a shared commitment to inclusion and solidarity.
The Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee emphasized the broader impact of sport on society, stating that sport extends beyond competition to become a powerful tool for empowerment, confidence-building, and opportunity creation. Guided by the Olympic values of respect, friendship, and solidarity, the committee reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that use sport to drive positive social impact and sustainable development.
The event also underscored the longstanding partnership between Saudi institutions and UNHCR in supporting displaced populations worldwide. Together, they continue to advance efforts that protect vulnerable communities while fostering hope, dignity, and resilience for people forced to flee their homes.
According to UNHCR’s latest Global Trends Report, there were 41.6 million refugees and other people in need of international protection by the end of 2025, while 68.6 million people were internally displaced. Nearly 39 percent of refugees are children, highlighting the critical need for access to education, protection, opportunities, and positive community engagement.
Through initiatives such as the World Refugee Day event in Riyadh, UNHCR and its partners continue to advocate for a future where displaced people are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity and where every young person is given the opportunity to realize their full potential.
