Geneva, September 29 (QNA) - The State of Qatar participated in the 2026 Sporting Event Host Government Forum, organized by the Government of Switzerland and the Centre for Sport and Human Rights (CSHR) in Geneva.
The State of Qatar was represented at the forum by Second Secretary at the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Hamad Mohammed Al Suwaidi.
In remarks at the forum, Al Suwaidi said Qatar's growing presence in sport is part of a strategic vision, noting that sport is an important component of the country's national development strategy and efforts to achieve the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030.
He also said Qatar seeks to use sport as a means of advancing human development, community participation, healthy lifestyles and international engagement. He added that Qatar is working to use sports diplomacy as a tool to promote dialogue and understanding among peoples and nations.
Al Suwaidi noted that hosting major international sporting events, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and the 2019 World Athletics Championships, provided important opportunities to bring people together and promote the values of solidarity, brotherhood, peace and mutual respect.
Al Suwaidi said Qatar is also preparing for another historic achievement, becoming the first country in the Middle East to host the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, which would provide another broad opportunity to promote and reinforce those values.
The Second Secretary at Qatar's Permanent Mission to the UN Office in Geneva also highlighted the prominent role of sport in Qatar's multilateral diplomatic efforts at the United Nations. He said Qatar, together with Indonesia and Morocco, led efforts to adopt Human Rights Council Resolution 59/17, titled "Empowering Women and Girls in and Through Sport."
He said the resolution constitutes a key document linking sport and the human rights of women and girls, and highlights the importance of providing women with equal opportunities across all areas of sport, including major sporting events. (QNA)