The Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) is finalizing preparations for its electoral General Assembly, which will take place in Taif, Saudi Arabia, from 11 to 13 September 2026.
Delegates from across the ISSA's 57 member countries will gather in Taif, one of Saudi Arabia's most picturesque cities, set in the Al-Sarawat Mountains at an altitude of approximately 1,800 metres above sea level and renowned for its rose gardens and long history as a centre of learning and trade.
The 15th ISSA General Assembly will open on 11 September with a full day of workshops focused on the ISSA's key programs and strategic initiatives, with an emphasis on the progress of Forward Through Sports, Excel & Host and Voice Up, the ISSA's global athlete community program.
On 12 September, the outgoing ISSA Executive Board will convene prior to the General Assembly, which will feature the election of a new Executive Board for the 2026–2029 term. Following the Assembly, the newly elected Board will hold its first meeting, before the day concludes with a joint Voice Up Champions and ISSA Athletes' Committee workshop.
The confirmed candidates, announced last month, reflect strong geographic diversity and female representation at the highest levels of the organisation:
Vice Presidents
Gennadiy Golovkin (Kazakhstan)
Nawal El Moutawakel (Morocco)
Regional Representatives
Arif Saeed (Pakistan)
Aya Mahmoud AbdAllah Mohamed Medany (Egypt)
Huseyin Ersan Topbas (Türkiye)
Idriss Dokony Adiker (Chad)
Mahdi Alinejad (Iran)
Yacine Louail (Algeria)
The final day, 13 September, will see the ISSA Athletes' Commission meet to elect its Chair and Vice-Chair, alongside the first meeting of the Voice-Up Steering Committee and an orientation workshop for the newly elected Executive Board.
Delegates will have the opportunity to conclude their visit to Taif with an exciting visit to the Crown Prince Camel Festival, bringing more than 1,600 camels together for the world's largest annual camel racing event, highlighting the region's rich cultural heritage and sporting tradition.
The 15th ISSA General Assembly marks a pivotal moment for the ISSA as it sets its strategic roadmap for the coming quadrennial, reaffirming its commitment to advancing sports development, expanding key programs and building capacity across all member nations.
