Remarks by Ms. Seheli Sabrin, Consul General of Bangladesh in Miami, as special guest at the opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of the World Youth Forum 2026 on “Sport, Economy, Innovation: Youth Talent in 2026 and the Pathways of tomorrow” at the City of Miramar on April 15, 2026.
Honorable Mayor Wayne Messam, Mayor of the City of Miramar;
President of the Youth Institute USA, Mr Gabriel Mvogo Saint;
Madam Maurisia Jeffers, Secretary General of The Youth Institute USA;
Dr. Athena Passera, President of Global Ties Miami;
Visiting members of the official delegation from Brazil;
Distinguished guests;
Ladies and gentlemen.
A very good morning to you all.
I am really honored to join you all in this vibrant City of Miramar for the opening of the 2nd edition of the World Youth Forum – Special World Cup 2026.
My special thanks to today’s host Honorable Mayor Mr Wayne M. Messam for his kind invitation to join this event as well as the organizing team for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts to you on today’s theme “Sport, Economy, Innovation: Youth Talent in 2026 and the Pathways of tomorrow”; which is not just timely but transformative.
Distinguished guests,
Sport now a days is far more than competition. It is a bridge between nations, a tool of diplomacy and soft power and a platform for dialogue and cooperation. In many ways, sport has become a “Swiss Army knife” of international relations capable of connecting people where politics sometimes cannot. In this connection this international initiative World Youth Forum – World Cup 2026 Special, is aimed at mobilizing young people around the world to promote peace, technology and economic development through the lens of sport.
Today the sports economy is a fast-growing, multitrillion-dollar ecosystem powering global sporting mega-events, adventure tourism, sporting goods and equipment and active lifestyles. It unlocks business opportunities, drives trade, creates jobs and enhances workforce productivity.
This potential is especially significant in emerging markets, where sport serves as a catalyst for economic and social development. World Economic Forum’s January 2026 report on ‘Sports for People and Planet’ projects that sport is a major global economic driver, generating $2.3 trillion annually in total revenues. With projected compound growth of 10% over the next five years, the sector is expected to reach $3.7 trillion by 2030, with long-term forecasts indicating expansion to $8.8 trillion by 2050.
But this progress depends on three key foundations: healthy people, stable environments and resilient communities.
For millennia, sport has connected humanity and nature. Yet rising health and environmental risks like air and water pollution, threaten not only the growth of this dynamic economy but also its positive impact on people and communities. Study shows that physical inactivity and environmental risks could cut annual earnings from this sector by $1.6 trillion by mid-century. Thus innovation in sport economy is much needed to ensure athletes performance as well as safety.
Advances in materials science can enhance agility, comfort, safety and even sustainability for fabrics, footwear and more, helping athletes reach new heights in their respective sports. For example, today’s athletes are benefiting from numerous new fabrics and clothing innovations that support their bodies during workouts and competitions.
These technologies impact physiological functions like circulation as well as external factors like air and water resistance.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Sport is one of humanity’s most powerful social and economic forces – shaping culture, health and community life across the globe. It is a global economic engine, a driver of innovation and a pathway for youth empowerment. I believe football stands at the center of it all, a universal language that connects continents, cultures, and communities.
In 2026, the world will witness a rare convergence of mega sporting events: the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, and the Youth Olympic Games. As we approach the FIFA World Cup 2026 here in North America the real question is not only who will win but how we prepare the next generation to lead. The pathways of tomorrow must be built on grassroots investment, education integrated with sport, innovation and technology and above all global partnerships. The presence of our friends from Brazil reminds us that excellence is never accidental it is built through culture, structure, and long-term vision.
Dear Audience,
In this global narrative, as the Consul General of Bangladesh in Miami, I am proud to present the story of Bangladesh, a story of resurgence, resilience, and rising ambition. Bangladesh is a South Asian nation bordered with India and Myanmar.
With her almost 175 million population and approximately 28% of young population aged in between 15-29 years has a passionate sports culture. Though kabaddi is the traditional national game in Bangladesh cricket and football (soccer) are mostly celebrated by both young and old.
Over the years Bangladesh has made significant strides in sports with notable achievements in various disciplines. Let me share few accomplishments with you all.
- Bangladesh has become one of the top 10 cricketing nations globally, with a strong national team that has qualified for the Cricket World Cup since 1999. They achieved a historic victory in the 2015 World Cup and have been a consistent performer in international tournaments.
- The Bangladesh Kabaddi team has been winning silver and bronze medals in the Asian Games and third place in the World Cups.
- In football our Women’s National Team has achieved a historic breakthrough
- qualifying for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026.
- They have also demonstrated regional excellence consistently winning and defending SAFF Championship.
- Our Men’s U-20 Team has emerged as a regional powerhouse
- becoming SAFF U-20 Champions in both 2024 and 2026.
- Also our national team is showing steady improvement in FIFA rankings,
- reflecting growing competitiveness and discipline.
- In addition , archery and chess has seen a rise with notable achievements.
I am happy to share that all these achievements reflect Bangladesh’s growth and development in sports and a deeper transformation through expansion of youth academies and talents, participation of women and investment in coaching and infrastructure. This is not just a progress this is a movement from aspiration to achievement from local fields to international arenas.
Distinguished guests,
For Bangladesh and many other nations, football is more than sport. I am sure many of you will agree that it is a development strategy as it creates opportunities for youth, empowerment for women, unity within communities and growth in the sports economy. A single victory can inspire millions but a strong system can transform generations.
However, the pathways of tomorrow cannot be built alone. They require partnership across borders and exchange of knowledge and innovation. I believe that platforms like this forum can connect youth leaders globally from different sectors including governments and international institutions who are committed to work for the development of their own country as well as for a sustainable future world.
Finally, I would like to urge our young talents and leaders present here to work and lead in this changing world for the betterment of global citizens. Together, let us ensure that the pathways of tomorrow are not limited by borders, but expanded by collaboration, innovation, and shared commitment.
I commend the Youth Institute USA and the leadership of this great city for initiating such an effective event. I extend my warmest wishes to the visiting Brazil Youth Team.
And I reaffirm Bangladesh’s commitment to a future where sport, economy, and innovation together unlock the limitless potential of our youth.
Thank you all.
Hexcellency Seheli Sabrin, Consul General of Bangladesh in Miami.
