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Apr 6, 2022

Qatar firm on sports development

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FA News Desk
Logo credit: UN
Logo credit: UN

“Today, the world celebrates the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, believing in the importance of sport in serving society by consolidating the foundations of development and peace in the world,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar in tweets.

The International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), which takes place annually on April 6, presents an opportunity to recognize the positive role sport and physical activity play in communities and in people’s lives across the globe with the power of sport to drive social change, community development and to foster peace and understanding.

In 2013, the United Nations chose this particular date because the first modern Summer Olympic Games were held in Athens on April 6 1896. The day is designed to raise awareness of the importance of sport and physical activity for education, human development, health and peace.

Sports Activities

Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Hail. Facebook image

Earlier, on Saturday April 2, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Nepal organized sports activities at the residence of the Ambassador as part of initiation of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and also a part of aim to celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

The Ambassador of Qatar to Nepal Yousef bin Mohammed Al-Hail welcomed all the participants.

The sports events were organized to expand awareness of the significant, tangible and positive contribution of sport to the goals of sustainable development.

Power

Of course, sports have the power to change the world as it is believed that sports is a fundamental right, a powerful tool to strengthen social ties and promote sustainable development, peace, as well as solidarity and respect for all.

In recognition of sports’ broad influence, the global theme of IDSDP 2022 is, “Securing a Sustainable and Peaceful Future for All: The Contribution of Sport,” which creates an opportunity for the Day’s celebrations to promote the use of sport as a tool to advance human rights and sustainable development.

Sports is in a unique position to display leadership, to take responsibility for its carbon footprint, engage in a climate neutral journey, incentivize action beyond the sporting sector, and play a major role in amplifying awareness among its billions of spectators, facilitators and participants at all levels.

Today, the world faces generational challenges that need to overcome differences and unite as one team working together to tackle obstacles for creating a safer, peaceful and sustainable future for all.

Qatar for Sports

According to the State of Qatar government version, Qatar is one of the sponsors of the UN resolution on sports for development and peace. The country is highlighting the importance of sports in enhancing development, peace, respect and tolerance, achieving an active and healthy community.

Image: qatarnews.freshlive.com

Therefore, the State of Qatar gives greater importance to sports through hosting numerous international sports events. The value of sports culture in the State of Qatar is reflected through launching of local and international initiatives including the National Sports Day and ” Doha Goals” initiative.

Qatar is one of the few countries that dedicated a national day of sport and expressed Qatar’s deep belief that the world is a better place when people gather through sport to advance and grow societies.

Tiny by geographical but richest in financial aspect Qatar’s belief in sports was key to the empowerment of women and girls, and sustaining the goals of peaceful families and communities.

Opportunity for Arabs

The State of Qatar is on the final leg to host the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for the first time in the Middle-East. Hence, Qatar believed the World Cup is a great opportunity for the region and the Arab world that will accelerate the pace of development on a national level in regards to the infrastructure taking into consideration national laws which the state of Qatar works to amend and implement, in accordance with international laws and regulations.

Image: ESPN

Hosting the World Cup 2022 in Qatar is a regional accomplishment that will not only contribute to development in the Middle East but also will help to change the image of the Middle East for creation of an atmosphere of positive interaction between the Gulf region and the World.

Social Change

The “generation amazing” initiative launched by the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) of Qatar seeks to enhance the ability of sport to encourage social change and break social barriers, and seeks to use the game of football for development and for addressing social issues in countries with specific needs, in line with the goals of sustainable development.

Sports change people’s lifestyle not only in health matters but also for respect, involvement in teamwork by trimming selflessness and perseverance by bringing all kinds of individuals together.

The United Nations also describes sports as a powerful communication platform that can be used to disseminate solidarity and reconciliation messages and to promote a culture of peace. It also helps to build strong partnerships between all segments of society to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

(The inputs are also partly derived from the information of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Kathmandu)