According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 1.4 million Syrian refugees are currently in Jordan, of which 620,000 have registered to receive assistance.

The majority are living outside refugee camps in host communities, and 51.6 per cent are said to be under the age of 18.

HRH Prince Feisal, who is also a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Public Affairs and Social Development through Sport Commission, underlined the power of sport as an entry point to engage with children and youth to help tackle localised conflict, inequality and exclusion, and stimulate social development. 

Earlier this month, the IOC announced that an emergency fund of $2 million (£1.3 million/€1.8 million) will be made available to National Olympic Committees to fund programmes aimed at helping refugees. 

Thomas Bach, IOC President, said the decision to set up the fund was taken quickly in response to the growing crisis which has seen refugees attempt to reach Europe in search of safety. 

"The response from the International Olympic Committee and international sports clubs and federations is truly inspiring, and we welcome IOC President Bach’s pledge to donate $2 million to National Olympic Committee programmes supporting migrants and refugees," said Prince Feisal in Jordan. 

"Likewise, through the transformative power of sport, Generations For Peace activities can ease the plight of refugees and local youth in host communities under enormous pressures.

"But we must not stop there.

"We must continue to educate and promote the positive effects of sport and encourage the international sport community to build sustainable peace here in the Middle East, in Africa, Europe and around the world."

In Jordan, with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Generations For Peace programmes are utilising sport and other peace-building tools in a bid to improve social cohesion between Syrian refugees and host community members.

Additionally, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Belgium Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the organisation is aiming to reduce violence in schools.

These programmes are said to be benefiting nearly 7,000 young people living in vulnerable communities in Jordan.

Generations For Peace efforts are proving to have a positive impact, it is claimed, and have also attracted support from the Norwegian Government, Samsung, Orange and DHL.



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September 2015: IOC announce emergency $2 million fund aimed at helping refugees as crisis in Europe grows
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May 2014: Jordan Olympic Committee strengthens ties with Bahrain and Egypt
April 2014: Prince Feisal "privileged" to be appointed to five IOC Commissions