The Minister of Youth and Sports opens the ninth international conference to reduce drowning in Sharm El-Sheikh
Dr. Ashraf Sobhi, Minister of Youth and Sports, opened the ninth international conference to reduce drowning, which is hosted by the city of Sharm El-Sheikh during the period from 21 to 24 November, and held under the patronage of the Minister of Youth and Sports.
In the presence of Mr. Graham Ford, President of the International Rescue Federation, Mr. David Meddings, Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Ms. Kelly Larson, Representative of Bloomberg Philanthropies, Major General Nader Allam, President of the City Sharm El-Sheikh, representing Major General Khaled Mubarak, Governor of South Sinai, Mr. Sameh El-Shazly, President of the Egyptian Diving and Rescue Federation, and a number of federation heads from various countries around the world.
Dr. Ashraf Sobhi stressed in his opening speech that Egypt’s hosting of this global event for the first time in the Middle East and North Africa confirms the country’s commitment to the issue of drowning prevention as a global challenge that threatens public health and sustainable development. He explained that the Egyptian state, within the framework of Egypt Vision 2030, is working to integrate sports, public health and water safety within a comprehensive national system, in which various ministries, bodies and international partners participate. National water safety codes, training thousands of young people in rescue and first aid within youth centers, in addition to supporting the programs of the Egyptian Diving and Rescue Federation, expanding the preparation of trainers and lifeguards, and strengthening Egypt’s regional role in Africa in the field of rescue.
Sobhi stressed that Egypt’s hosting of the conference comes from the country’s firm belief that protecting lives is a shared responsibility, and that reducing drowning is an issue that no country can face alone. Calling all participating parties for this conference to be a starting point towards deeper cooperation, a greater exchange of experiences, and the development of real implementation mechanisms that move from recommendations to actual implementation, ensuring the creation of safe water environments for all, especially children, youth and coastal communities.
The Australian Graham Ford, President of the International Rescue Federation, expressed in his speech during the conference his thanks to the Egyptian government and the Diving and Rescue Federation, saying, “We thank Minister Ashraf Sobhi for We also thank the Egyptian Diving and Rescue Federation for its sponsorship of the conference, led by Sameh El Shazly, for the wonderful organization of its events. Today, the World Conference to Reduce Drowning embodies the growing international momentum to confront one of the most serious issues, as the world loses more than 300,000 people annually, most of them children. He stressed that the broad participation of governments, international organizations and partners reflects an increasing global commitment to transforming drowning prevention into a humanitarian, health and development priority.
He added, “The Union is witnessing a remarkable expansion in the membership of water safety organizations, as the number has risen to 188 national organizations with the joining of new members from multiple countries, which reflects a growing global awareness of the necessity of building effective national water safety strategies.” He praised the Egyptian experience and the progress it has achieved in developing its national strategy, considering it a model to be emulated in the region and the world.
The President of the International Rescue Federation concluded his statements" We stress that cooperation between countries and sectors is the only way to reduce drowning rates, calling on participants to exchange experiences and strengthen partnerships in order to protect lives. 2026 will witness the issuance of new technical packages directed to decision makers with the aim of supporting countries in implementing the most effective programs based on successful experiences around the world. Major interventions, aiming to reduce deaths resulting from drowning by 35% by 2035.”
For his part, Major General Nader Allam, President of Sharm El-Sheikh, welcomed all the guests and participants in the conference in the city of Sharm El-Sheikh, “the Land of Peace,” stressing that the city possesses advanced infrastructure and great organizational capabilities that make it an ideal destination to host Major international events. He pointed out that Sharm El-Sheikh, with its modern projects, attractions, and high-level service and tourism facilities, places the safety of citizens and visitors at its top priority, especially in activities related to the sea and aquatic environments. He also expressed his appreciation for choosing the city to host this important global event, which reflects international confidence in Egypt’s ability to organize specialized conferences that contribute to protecting lives and enhancing cooperation between countries in the field of drowning prevention.
For his part, Captain Sameh El-Shazly, President of the Egyptian Diving and Rescue Federation, extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to: “The Ministry of Youth and Sports, the International Rescue Federation, the South Sinai Governorate, the World Health Organization, the Bloomberg Charitable Foundation, and all bodies.” and concerned organizations" To support Egypt’s hosting of the conference and to work together for its success.
He stressed that the issue of reducing drowning is not just a sporting or training issue, but rather a societal and humanitarian issue that affects families and communities in all countries of the world. Through this conference, we affirm the Egyptian Federation’s keenness and commitment to enhancing awareness, training, and international cooperation in order to protect lives, especially among children and youth, and to work to ensure that prevention is the Federation’s first means before response and rescue.
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