Qatar 2022 World Cup will act as a bridge between cultures in these times of conflict, Supreme Committee for Deliver & Legacy secretary general Hassan al-Thawadi  said.
Talking at the 79th International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Congress at Doha’s Sheraton Hotel yesterday, al-Thawadi said: “Qatar 2022 is a bridge between different cultures around the world. World is going through a period of conflict that is unprecedented. The power of sports is one of the few powers that serve as a unifying force. With all due respect to other sports, power of football is beyond borders.
“Just mentioning Manchester United, Messi, Ronaldo can start conversations anywhere in the world. That is the power of football. The first World Cup in the Middle East will bring the cultures of the West, the cultures of the East, the cultures of the Middle East and the cultures of the Far East together. That is what we are looking to do. We want to get people together at a moment when conflict is on the rise.”
Al-Thawadi had in audience members of the sports media from across the world.
While elaborating on the unique points of hosting a World Cup in Qatar, al-Thawadi mentioned the compact nature of the event and the legacy it will leave behind.
“Our belief is that any tournament, that any country hosts, that does not leave a legacy after it is over, would not have achieved its goal even if it was very successful,” al-Thawadi said.
“Accordingly our focus has been that the country’s National Vision 2030 is assisted in being delivered by SC’s goals. National Vision 2030 is based on four pillars -- economic diversification, environmental sustainability, human development and social development. Our goal from day one is that every project we undertake works towards delivering towards that vision.”
Giving an example of environmental sustainability, al-Thawadi mentioned the Al Rayyan Stadium.
“The rubble, after the demolition of the old stadium, was not thrown away. Instead 90 percent of it was recycled into some of the other construction projects. For the remaining 10%, we got in touch with artists from Qatar and the region to come up with 10-12 pieces of art. For us it was a celebration of sustainability. Our commitment is that this World Cup will be sustainable.”