A dynamic, healthy, and hopeful society cannot be realized without the active participation of young people and the promotion of social and sporting activities. Today, citizen sports are far more than a form of physical activity; they constitute a strategic instrument for strengthening social capital, reinforcing family values, enhancing public well-being, fostering social responsibility, and promoting a culture of civic participation among all members of society, particularly the younger generation.

The Second International Conference on Citizen Sports and Sustainable Development provides a valuable platform for collaboration among academics, policymakers, researchers, non-governmental organizations, and professionals in the fields of sports and youth affairs. By drawing upon contemporary knowledge and successful national and international experiences, this conference seeks to identify innovative pathways for advancing social development through sport.

The Office of Planning and Social Development of Youth of the Ministry of Sports and Youth firmly believes that sustainable development cannot be achieved without recognizing the needs, capacities, and active participation of young people. Therefore, supporting scientific and professional events that foster knowledge production, evidence-based policymaking, and constructive collaboration among governmental, academic, and civil society institutions remains one of the Office’s strategic priorities. This approach is fully aligned with the Office’s mission in the areas of social planning, mental health, family development, and youth participation.

I sincerely hope that the outcomes of this conference will not only enrich academic knowledge but also contribute to the development of practical strategies for expanding citizen sports, improving urban quality of life, strengthening youth social participation, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals throughout the country.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the organizers, supporting institutions, and all national and international scholars and researchers who have contributed to this distinguished scientific event. I wish the conference every success and hope that its achievements will serve as a valuable foundation for informed policymaking and effective decision-making in the fields of sport, youth, and social development.

Dr. Bahman Abdi,

Director General of the Office of Planning and Social Development of Youth Ministry of Sports and Youth, Islamic Republic of Iran