The Arab world has long been in the grip of conflicts and wars mainly due to dark forces of extremism and terrorism. To steer the region out of this persistent, unstable situation requires promotion of education, sports, entertainment and peaceful progress.
Without any doubt, Qatar is advancing this agenda of peace and progress in the Arab world with its great and timely services rendered for the promotion of education and sports. 2022 FIFA World Cup is just not a mega sports event to be hosted by Qatar rather it is a catalyst of change. It is an opportunity for the whole region to embrace reforms that can reduce breeding space of extremists.
The Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy’s (SC) Secretary-General Hassan Al Thawadi has rightly said that that the first FIFA World Cup (2022) to be held in the Arab world will be a precious opportunity to drive real change across the region. Speaking at a meeting with the Bundestags Sports Committee, on Thursday, he said that the State of Qatar was “determined to ensure we use it as a platform to drive real change across the region. We want to host an event that leaves its mark in history and is etched into global memories for positive reasons.”
He added that the State of Qatar has made significant progress in recent years towards enhancing workers’ rights, saying that the dignity and safety of all workers in Qatar was of utmost importance.
Director of Global Initiatives of Human Rights Watch Minky Worden also attended to update the committee on her priorities for improving workers rights in Qatar and the progress she has seen to-date. She praised Qatars progress while encouraging further enforcement and reform.
Earlier addressing the FT Live: Future of Football 2018 conference in Doha on Wednesday Hassan Al Thawadi said Qatar’s legacy projects are already making a major impact – more than four years before the 2022 FIFA World Cup kicks off. “The way Qatar has taken leadership in terms of workers’ welfare reforms across the region is a perfect example of how major sporting events can leave a legacy even before the event is held,” he said.
Al Thawadi also reiterated Qatar’s commitment to hosting a tournament that will benefit the entire region – despite the ongoing political blockade. “This World Cup has always been a Middle East and Arab World Cup,” he continued.
“To think there are people in the region who might not enjoy the first World Cup in the Middle East is very disappointing. We look forward to this matter being sorted out. Football is for the people – and we want this tournament to reach the people of the region.”
