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Over 415 events, activities and initiatives will take place as part of this year’s Qatar Sustainability Week, disclosed Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, executive director of the Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future in an interview with Gulf Times. “This includes a number of technical workshops by Earthna, HBKU, Qeeri and others; a tree planting marathon by Expo Qatar 2023; activities for families and children at Heenat Salma Farm, The Pearl and Kahrama Awareness Park; the creation of several new recycling hubs; mangrove conservation with Mandarin Oriental; beach cleanups with Deap Qatar; and gardening workshops as well as community garden building at Hadiqaa among many others,” said, Dr de la Mata. The official explained “Qatar Sustainability Week 2022 looks to build on the successes of previous editions and involve the local community in variety of sustainability-oriented activities, to raise awareness of sustainability issues and showcase the progress Qatar has made in recent years. This year’s QSW will run until October 15 and will focus on taking action to encourage efficient use of resources including water, energy, and food, reduce waste and promote recycling.” The executive director of the Earthna centre clarified that the Qatar Sustainability Week 2022 is a legacy initiative of the Qatar Green Building Council, which was transitioned by Qatar Foundation into what Earthna is now. “It is a privilege for us to build on the great work that has been done by QGBC over the past six years, including the successful delivery of over 1,260 sustainability focused events and the engagement of more than 200,000 members of the public. We also look forward to many more milestones and successes as we look to start a new chapter of sustainability work in Qatar,” he remarked. “Bringing people together to take action is at the heart of Qatar Sustainability week, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our partners and sponsors for their relentless support and their belief in our vision to generate a more sustainable future for all of us,” added the offical.    

Qatar Foundation (QF) on Sunday launched the World Cup campaign 'It’s Only Football if it’s For All' and announced a number of events in the run up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. “Several events and activities will be taking place at Education City ahead of and during the tournament. All these programmes are open for everyone to enjoy,” said, Khalifa al-Kubaisi, director of Media, QF. At a press conference at the QF headquarters he was joined by Mashal Shahbik, director of Events & protocol, QF. The World Cup campaign video by QF was launched at the event. QF’s World Cup campaign reflects how the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East and the Arab world is intended to be the most accessible ever, and the organisation’s own commitment to providing inclusive opportunities for everyone to explore and benefit from. HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al-Thani, Vice Chairperson and CEO of Qatar Foundation, said in a press statement: “The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is all about people, and about bringing people together to enjoy a shared and unforgettable experience – one that everyone can be part of. “Placing accessibility and inclusivity at the core of our World Cup campaign, 'It’s Only Football if it’s For All', reflects QF’s commitment to providing opportunities for everyone to engage in and benefit from, and our support for Qatar’s aim of hosting the most accessible FIFA World Cup ever. Our mission is built around empowering people, and we believe that empowerment happens when pathways for involvement, engagement, and discovery are opened up to all.” Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary General, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, said: “Qatar Foundation is a critical national partner in delivering a successful FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Education City Stadium will host games up to the quarter-finals stage of the tournament; and throughout our preparation over the last 12 years, QF has played a vital role in many different areas, including research, development, technology and collaboration on social programmes. QF’s plans for the World Cup work towards an important ambition for us – ensuring the tournament brings people together and leaves a lasting legacy of accessibility and empowerment for people from all walks of life.” The QF officials also told the press conference that the commitment to accessibility will be demonstrated in the weeks leading up to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and during the tournament itself, through an array of festivals, activations, and fun for the local, regional, and global community at Education City, which will be open to all every day. Among QF’s line up of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 activities is the second edition of its D’reesha Performing Arts Festival, from December 11-17 at Oxygen Park in Education City and providing a platform for people from Qatar, the region, and the world to celebrate creativity and culture. Under the theme of Travel and Adventure, D’reesha will showcase the richness and vibrancy of Arab culture, language, and heritage through the lens of music, theatre, poetry, storytelling, education, and science. This year’s festival will include D’reesha of Invention and Innovation, a STEM-focused element sponsored by ConocoPhillips Qatar and highlighting scientists, scholars, and researchers from across the Arab world. Education City will also be the venue for the Generation Amazing Festival from November 15-20 which will see school groups from all FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 nations participate in workshops, activities, and a Generation Amazing football tournament. QF is currently hosting the Street Child World Cup 2022 which runs until October 15 and brings together street-connected children from throughout the world for a football tournament, an arts festival, and a platform to advocate for their rights. Leaving a lasting legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for education, Qatar Foundation (QF) will house two of its schools at the Education City Stadium after the mega event is over, disclosed Khalifa al-Kubaisi, director of Media. “The Qatar Academy for Science and Technology and Academyati School are to be housed in the Education City Stadium,” he told Gulf Times in reply to a question at the press conference on Sunday.    

Leaving a lasting legacy of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 for education, Qatar Foundation (QF) will house two of its schools at the Education City Stadium after the mega event is over, disclosed Khalifa al-Kubaisi, director of Media. “The Qatar Academy for Science and Technology and Academyati School are to be housed in the Education City Stadium,” he told Gulf Times in reply to a question at the press conference yesterday. Al-Kubaisi said there will be several events and activities before and during the World Cup within the Education City and will highlight and reflect QF’s efforts at bestowing a lasting legacy of the tournament. “We will also be launching an Accessibility Guide to support people with disabilities -from and beyond Qatar – to explore the nation during the tournament. The guide, which will be launched before the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, highlighting accessible activities and programmes at QF’s Education City and those available across the country,” continued al-Kubaisi. “We are developing sensory rooms for the special needs people to experience the World Cup in a better way. There will also be programmes for women as well as workshop among others,” he explained. From its Ability Friendly sports programme and the platforms it provides for increasing the participation of women and girls in sports, to its role in ensuring the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 is accessible to people with disabilities and fostering a culture of volunteering in Qatar, QF is contributing to a sporting and social legacy for Qatar that endures far beyond the tournament. As it invites the community of Qatar and the global community to be part of its celebrations of this milestone in Qatar’s history, QF is aiming to harness the power of sport to amplify the message that accessibility and inclusivity are cornerstones of a strong society, and a united world. And with the Education City Stadium being a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue, there will be a full lineup of activities on both matchdays and non-matchdays for football fans and the general public alike, with Education City being fully open to everyone at all times. QF’s support for the World Cup includes helping to make the tournament more accessible for people with disabilities, through partnering with FIFA to provide specialised training for Accessibility Volunteers who will play a key role in ensuring all fans attending the tournament have a welcoming and unforgettable experience. This reflects QF’s commitment to cultivating the spirit of volunteerism across Qatar, a commitment that will continue after the World Cup.    

Earthna Centre for a Sustainable Future (Earthna), centre along with its partners has launched seventh edition of Qatar Sustainability Week (QSW) 2022. HE Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser bin Ahmad bin Ali al-Thani, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Gonzalo Castro de la Mata, executive director of Earthna, Meshal M al-Shamari, senior director, Streategic Initatives and Stakeholder Engagement among others were present at the event held at Msheireb Downtown. Earthna, a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), in partnership with strategic, commercial, community, media and gift partners has launched the campaign that will last until October 15. The week-long campaign aims to promote the nation’s sustainability vision, and will bring together government and private sector organizations, businesses and the local community to deliver over 300 sustainability-related activities, events and initiatives. The campaign will focus on taking action to encourage efficient use of resources including water, energy, and food, as well as reduce waste and promote recycling. Sheikh Dr Faleh delivered a speech during the event that stressed the importance of taking a collaborative approach to sustainability He said: “To realise Qatar’s ambitions of achieving sustainable development, it is crucial that we work together as a society. Government, the private sector, non-profit organizations, education institutions and members of the community must collectively plan for and deliver continual action, focused on preserving Qatar’s environment and making the country a safe, healthy place to live and work for current and future generations. I am delighted to be here today to celebrate what this looks like in practice at the launch of Qatar Sustainability Week 2022, one of the largest community-focused initiatives of its kind in the region.” Opening the event, Dr de la Mata, explained the wider benefit that local action can have on people and the environment: “Whilst the primary focus for Qatar Sustainability Week 2022 is on delivering practical, tangible actions, many of the planned activities are linked to broader sustainability ambitions, and contribute to cultivating healthy spaces in our individual lives and as communities, improving physical, social and mental wellbeing, and taking care of the environment.” The conference was also attended by representatives from QSW 2022’s strategic partners, including the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Msheireb Properties, Qatar Museums, Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Rail, Tarsheed/Kahramaa, Qatar National Bank, Education Above All, United Development Company, Seashore Recycling and Sustainability, Qatar Tourism, Alwakra Municipality, Microsoft, Expo 2023 and Ooredoo, who spoke on the involvement of their organisations during the campaign. This year’s commercial partners include Carrefour Qatar, Lulu Hypermarkets in Qatar, Mega Mart, talabat and Abdullah Abdulghani & Bros. Co, while community partners include DEAP, Bedaya, Classtap, HADIQAA, Enbat, GWC, Greener Future, Wahab, Engineers Australia, Qatar Natural History Group, Paper Cut and Saad bin Moath Primary School for Boys.    

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) is gearing up to host the 9th Sports Tournament for GCC Universities and Higher Education Institutes and has welcomed Qatar Olympic Committee’s announcement of the establishment of the Qatar Collegiate Sports Federation (QCSF). Wadha al-Saud, the sports and recreation activities supervisor at HBKU Student Affairs, said that the HBKU welcomes the establishment of the QCSF and how it reflects a great awareness of the importance of sports for university students. She highlighted the HBKU’s commitment to provide students with opportunities to practise various sports activities to help promote their abilities, and encourages them to take part in organising and managing these events. The HBKU will host the 9th Sports Tournament for GCC Universities and Higher Education Institutes from February 4-10, 2023. “The university has always been a pioneer in co-operating with higher education institutions (HEIs) in Qatar,” al-Saud said. “Prior to the establishment of the QCSF, the university organised many events that brought together these institutions, and has paid attention to co-operating with the QCSF, the Qatar Olympic Committee and Qatari sports federations,” she added. “Reflecting these aims, the HBKU is currently gearing up to organise and host the 9th Sports Tournament for GCC Universities and Higher Education Institutes 2023.” The official said that the Committee of Student Affairs Deans decided, during its 32nd meeting held in Oman under the umbrella of the General Secretariat of the GCC, that the HBKU would organise and host the event in 2023. “Since then, the HBKU has been preparing for this big event, both at the level of participation and organisation,” al-Saud said. “A complete restructuring is currently taking place for the participating university teams to ensure a good representation for the HBKU, especially as it is the host university.” “On the other hand, we have developed a comprehensive plan for hosting these games,” she added. “Our university co-operates with the Qatar Olympic Committee, represented by the QCSF, as well as other Qatari sports federations.” According to al-Saud, the HBKU is keen to form various sports teams in different games in which students can participate and develop their capabilities. “This is not limited to sports participation only,” she stressed. “The university also involves its students in organising and managing these events. There are many students who take part in refereeing and coaching in addition to playing." “The HBKU has always been a pioneer in co-operating with Qatar’s HEIs,” the official said. “It has organised many events to bring together HEIs even before the establishment of the QCSF.” “This role also extends to co-operating with the country’s sports entities,” al-Saud added. “The sports department at the HBKU enjoys strong relations with many of the country’s sports authorities.” “The HBKU’s hosting of the 9th Sports Tournament for GCC Universities and Higher Education Institutes will provide a great opportunity to deepen and expand our co-operation with other institutions and all parties who will help the university organise such a major event,” she said. “The HBKU uses the various sports facilities inside Education City. It also utilises external facilities for some sports, including those of the sports federations, in addition to padel facilities,” she said. “The university is keen to take advantage of these facilities at all available times, as part of its endeavours to provide diverse sports venues to encourage students to train regularly and raise their physical and skill levels in various sports activities.”

There has been 25% increase in mental health issues since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to an expert who shared the findings of a recent report on the topic at WISH 2022, which concluded on Thursday. “Mental health is one of top 10 burdens of diseases globally, with a 25% increase since the pandemic, and sport offers a great toolbox to tackle the mental health crisis. Our report brings together evidence that sport is as effective as pharmacological methods in addressing anxiety and stress, and at a lower cost,” said Kaitlin Simpson, University of Edinburgh, UK; coach, Special Olympics, who contributed to the report commissioned by World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH). Simpson was speaking at a panel discussion on the topic of “Sport for Mental Health: A Global Strengths-based System.” Other panelists included Sir Mo Farah, British athlete; Sheikha Intisar al-Sabah, founder of Intisar Foundation; Dr Kamran Abassi, editor in chief of the British Medical Journal and Ollie Dudfield, associate director Olympism 365, International Olympic Committee. The session was moderated by BBC journalist, Stephen Sackur. Sheikha al-Sabah commented on the challenges within the Islamic world where girls and women aged 12 and older are less likely to engage in sports due to cultural reasons. She also underscored the role of physical activity in dealing with psychological trauma and ridding the body of excess adrenaline and cortisol from trauma. “We need to broaden the conversation on the wealth of evidence on the benefits of exercise and movement. Sport itself is less researched than exercise more broadly. And although there is a lot of evidence about the physical and mental health benefits of sport, my assessment would be that it’s still an emerging field of science, which needs to be more researched,” Dr Abassi, explained. “We need a radical change in society – a society that focuses on outcomes relating to health and well-being, people and planet. Our focus at the moment is where we are going wrong as a global society. We need to make a better world for ourselves and we need to advocate for it,” he added.    

Sports can help people develop the right attitude to face tough situations and overcome challenges by keeping physically and mentally active, Sir Mo Farah, one of the great athletes of the recent years told the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) gathering on Thursday. “ It is the right attitude and the ability to overcome the challenges that determine the realization of the goals. Sports is a great enabler in this regard,” noted, the British double Olympic champion in 5,000 and 10,000m in 2012 and 2016 as well as in the World Athletic Championship. He is the most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic Games history. “Young people can benefit a lot from physical activity. Whether they are interested in sports or not, they hugely benefit from the physical activities. This helps them not only to keep in good health but also to be focused on their life goals,” he explained. Sport and its positive contributions to mental health was the key focus of the discussion, Farah had with veteran journalist, Stephen Sackur. Farah reflected on his monumental success as a long-distance runner, saying that his running has always served as an anchor to him, particularly during the moments of instability he has faced in his life. When asked about how children across the globe in sport and movement can be collectively engaged, Farah emphasised the need for adults to serve as role models as well as provide the necessary support and encouragement. He said he was fortunate to be at the right place and at the right time and the support he received to groom his skills. “It was the support I got from my teacher who coached me in my school as well the coaches who trained in the local clubs. I would not be where I am today, if I had not received such great support from all of them. If I can do it, why can’t others?” he added.    

Precision medicine with the help of biobanks can facilitate healthcare systems plan preventive measures to combat several diseases, experts noted Wednesday at a panel discussion during the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) 2022. Dr Nahla Maher Afifi, director of Qatar Biobank, Qatar Foundation, said that in Qatar, all the partners in the precision medicine programme are part of the larger programme including academics, researchers, universities among others. “We also have the clinical eco-system of Cerner, a common platform for the healthcare faciliites. In addition to the Biobank we also have the research centres in Qatar University, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) among others that contribute to precision medicine,” she said. “Precision medicine leads to preventive practices with the help of the data made available through the Biobank as we diagnose people and understand the basic issues through the collection of samples. Through our data, we found that about 20% of the population are in the pre-diabetes stage while 25% is pre-hypertensive. With this data we work out plans that will prevent the population from developing these diseases further and make them live healthier,” added Dr Afifi. Dr Michaelath Maryrhofer, head of ELSI Services and research, BBMRI- ERIC; Alison Parry Jones, operations director, Wales Cancer Biobank; Dr Zisis Kozlakidis, head of Laboratory Services and Biobanking,IARC, WHO and Prof Dr Karine Sargsyan, managing director for International Biobanking and Education, Medical University of Graz were also part of the discussion. The session was moderated by Yalda Hakim, a BBC journalist. Dr Kozlakidis explained what precision medicine is and how it benefits the population and healthcare systems to get prepared for any medical situation. “Precision medicine provides valuable inputs with the help of data collected through biobanks and help healthcare systems reach solutions. We have several such examples especially during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he noted. The experts also said that it was important to get connected to the data which will provide added value to the findings and solutions.

The three-day World Innovation Summit for Health ( WISH) 2022 conference held under the theme "Healing The Future" started Tuesday at Multaqa in the Education City. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation opened the summit. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, speaking at the opening ceremony. (supplied picture) The opening ceremony was attended by Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania; Jeannette Kagame, First Lady of Rwanda; Dr Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone, a number of their excellencies, Sheikhs, ministers, policy makers, scholars and specialists from around the world. “WISH has always been a summit of big ideas. This year our themes are many, with one overarching goal – a search for solutions to enable all of us to live balanced, safe and healthy lives,” said Sheikha Moza in her opening remarks. Another panel discussion on day one of WISH 2022. Prof Lord Darzi of Denham, executive chair of WISH said: “This has been WISH’s mission from the start: to bring people together to develop, to promote, disseminate innovations that can really transform the world. Over the next three days, it is my hope that we can learn together, inspire each other to achieve our shared ambitions. We can show the world how, in place of discord and division, collaboration and cooperation can help us meet the challenges we face. With the power of the WISH community, we can promote better health for everyone and broaden access to high quality care for all. This is what we mean by healing the future.” Keynote speaker, Dr Noubar Afeyan The audience also heard from Tanzanian President Hassan who recognised the key role WISH has had by contributing immensely to the literature on health issues and on influencing governmental policies aiming to achieve universal healthcare. She noted: “The interest of WISH of having a fair, equitable, and healthy world is clearly reflected by the range of experts gathered here today. I’m witnessing firsthand the enthusiasm of key global players in the health sector to drive efforts to promote healthier and equitable access to health services in order to achieve sustainable development. Certainly, today's conference is a state in the right direction and I'm in full support of it." HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari, Qatar's Minister of Public Health; Dr Ahmed al-Mandhari, regional director for the Eastern Mediterranean of the World Health Organisation and ministerial delegations from 16 countries were also present, including those from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. Prof Lord Darzi of Denham addressing the gathering. The keynote speaker at the opening ceremony, Dr Noubar Afeyan, founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering, and co-founder of Moderna, the American pharmaceutical and biotechnology company that developed a key vaccine for Covid-19 said: “The efforts of all of us in this room to advance human health are taking place against the backdrop of what we call a Health Care System, but in reality is a Sick Care System. We spend an enormous amount of time, effort, and money treating people once they are sick, rather than trying to keep them healthy. “By waiting for disease to manifest, costs are higher, preventing many from accessing care and outcomes are worse. Early detection that preempts disease or reverses or manages a pre-disease condition could offer a solution to health care inequities. We call this preemptive health: the application of leading-edge biological sciences and digital technology to traditional public health goals.” Speaking in the context of the creation of Moderna’s safe and highly effective Covid-19 vaccine, he emphasised the role of innovation and imagination in creating breakthrough leaps in biotechnology, and examined the pathway to preventing and preempting disease before it takes hold of. The opening ceremony concluded with an expert panel discussion on building the resilience of global health systems. The discussion was underpinned by an evidence-based policy report launched shortly before the summit titled “Building Health System Resilience; a roadmap for navigating future pandemics”. Day one of WISH also hosted a forum discussion based on the WISH 2022 report titled “A new era for vaccine innovation: Harnessing the lessons learned from Covid-19 Vaccine”. Expert speakers included Dr Jerome Kim, director general, International Vaccine Institute, and Prof Dame Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at the University of Oxford and co-developer of the Oxford AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.

The Minister of Public Health HE Dr Hanan Mohamed al-Kuwari highlighted Qatar’s efforts as well as the measures adopted by the country in overcoming the challenges posed by Covid-19, at the opening day of World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) 2022. “When the health systems are overwhelmed, the whole world suffers as we have seen during the pandemic. Therefore investing in health systems and building the resilience is not a cost but an assurance,” stressed the minister during a panel discussion at the opening ceremony. According to Dr al-Kuwari, the pandemic was not just a challenge but also an opportunity to test the resilience of the healthcare system and be better positioned and prepared for any pandemic in future. She remarked that Qatar has dealt with Covid-19 pandemic with flexibility and excellently executed its plans, managed to build an information system that is capable of overcoming the emergency cases, provided the essential quarantine spaces and medical families, in addition to building the capacities of the medical practitioners to ensure their physical and psychological integrity. She explained: “Qatar did remarkably well to meet the challenges of the pandemic as our economy remained active, children attended school through online resources and despite high number of transmission of the virus, we had one of the least mortality rates in the world itself.” The minister said that Qatar has several lessons to share with the world. She explained: “We had focused on infrastructure by building a number of healthcare facilities that contributed to our resilience. This helped to face the pandemic and the associated challenges by creating the capacity needed to face the pandemic. We also focused to work together and a resilient health system can’t win without collaboration.” “Everyone in Qatar had equal access to vaccination and other healthcare needs irrespective of social or economic background. Our strong primary healthcare system contributed greatly to the success of the vaccination distribution,” she highlighted. The health minister noted that the training and development of the workforce in the country meant that they were equipped to meet the challenges and helped in overcoming the pandemic effectively. “In Qatar we had benefitted from preparing public health emergencies and national emergencies and that plan has really paid off. The role of healthcare workers was very much instrumental in overcoming the challenges,” added, Dr al-Kuwari.

*First in-person World Innovation Summit for Health since 2018 opens at Multaqa, Education City Sheikha Moza underlines the strong connection that links health and sports Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) highlighted the need for ‘transformative events to inspire individuals and remind them of the responsibility towards their personal health and their community’ while opening the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH) 2022, Tuesday. “There can be no substitute for the essential work done by the medical practitioners, researchers and doctors who deliver quality healthcare to patients worldwide. Nonetheless, there is room for preventative practices that can take place prior to patients seeing their doctors. We look towards transformative events to inspire individuals and remind them of their responsibility towards their personal health and their community,” stressed Sheikha Moza. Welcoming the delegates to WISH Summit, QF' global healthcare initiative, Sheikha Moza highlighted: “Welcome to the first World Innovation Summit for Health held in-person since 2018. As you well know, in a few weeks’ time, Qatar will also host another international event – the FIFA World Cup. Two core ideas form the strong connection that links our summit to the World Cup: Health and Sports.” “WISH has always been a summit of big ideas. This year our themes are many, with one overarching goal – a search for solutions to enable all of us to live balanced, safe and healthy lives. For instance, how to avoid mental fatigue, burn-out, and unhealthy eating habits. These are fundamental challenges to contemporary society,” explained, Sheikha Moza. “This is where sports and exercise play a huge role, as participation is unlimited by age or class, but open to all. The world of health and fitness is broad, and everyone can find something to suit their interests and capabilities. Sports and fitness can be professions for those with talent, hobbies for those who enjoy them and are necessities for all according to ability,” she continued. The QF chairperson noted that exercise needs to be a fundamental part of people’s lives. Sheikha Moza said: “When we make exercise a fundamental part of our lives and a consistent part in our daily routine, we create space for stability and creativity. We need new and innovative ways to encourage patients to become active participants in the healthcare process so that they become our partners in building an effective and robust global healthcare system.” “We can do this by making basic information on health and fitness accessible to everyone – so that while professionals are busy researching pressing healthcare challenges, individuals play their parts by exercising. This may seem obvious, but underscoring the importance of exercise and sport really is at the heart of achieving healthy living for individuals, communities and the world,” pointed out, Sheikha Moza. “Big sporting events always have been a source of inspiration, motivating Qatar to host the FIFA World Cup, breathing new life into our country. Events such as these can inspire us all, here in Qatar and across the world, to re-build our healthcare systems, making them robust and accessible to all,” Sheikha Moza added.

The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 will be the most accessible tournament in the history of the game, which could be a major legacy of the event, a renowned speaker and disability rights expert Dr Victor Pineda told an audience at a Qatar Foundation (QF) Education City Speaker Series Monday. “I hope that the momentum generated around accessibility will live on beyond the World Cup and that all the work done on accessibility will be disseminated to every school, to every place of employment, and to every public space, so persons with disabilities can continue to benefit from it,” the president and founder of the Pineda Foundation and World Enabled stated during the event at Qatar National Library Monday. Dr Victor Pineda highlights the need for accessibility. In conversation with Luisa Baldini, a former BBC correspondent, Dr Pineda spoke on the topic 'Recognising a Right: Why We Need to Build an Accessible World.' The talk, organised in collaboration with the World Innovation Summit for Health, QF’s global healthcare initiative, explored the challenges that people with disabilities continue to face, how they can be overcome, and why shaping a truly accessible world is everyone’s responsibility. “If people are still just thinking of elevators and ramps when they hear accessibility, then they are missing the entire conversation. We're talking about innovation, transformation, and building a future where all people can express their full potential,” said, Dr Pineda. A frequent visitor to Qatar, Dr Pineda noted that he has seen the country drastically change as it has prepared to host the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. He highlighted the need for increased advocacy, saying: “Advocacy isn’t just a destination, it's a way of thinking and opening the door for discussion and debate, recognising the dreams, hopes, frustrations, and barriers of persons with disabilities. “We can’t stop there, we need to go beyond just inspiring people to advocate for change, but also equipping them with the appropriate tools and expertise to bring about change.” According to Dr Pineda, the only way to succeed in creating truly accessible and inclusive spaces is to have an integrated cross-sectoral approach to identifying and eliminating barriers and looking at those barriers in a holistic way. “Think beyond ramps and look at innovation – think about tech and digital accessibility – which is a disruptive force to unlocking new capabilities in the public, private, and education sector.” He highlighted that by being digitally accessible, organisations can future proof their digital infrastructure. “If we do it right, technology can unlock potential and elevate the voices and aspirations of those that are most marginalised.” Dr Pineda also stressed the need to involve more people with disabilities in the innovation sphere. “Persons with disabilities make up 15% of the global population, but less than 1% of venture capital investments go to founders of enterprises that are people with disabilities. There is a huge investment gap when it comes to innovation for and by persons with disabilities.” Dr Pineda appealed the organisations and policymakers to approach the topic of accessibility and inclusion from a place of curiosity and openness. “Understand how this fits into your existing plans. Don't think about it just for diversity and inclusion, think about it as innovation and transformation, and an exciting way to unlock potential within your organisation.” He called on organisations, particularly HR departments, to actively create a barrier free environment for people with disabilities and to bring in trusted partners to help develop a bigger narrative, not just about specialised services, but about what it means to have an inclusive workplace. “The way an organisation hires directly indicates what it values, so make sure to build accessibility into it,” he noted. Commenting on inclusion and accessibility in education and the active role of teachers in it, he asked teachers to approach the space with humility. “Believe the parents. Believe the child. They are not lying about disability. Be open to the possibility of changing the curriculum, to the possibility of adjusting, and to the possibility of learning something from the students and the parents. Open yourself up to new discoveries,” he added.

The ‘World of Football’ exhibition at the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum highlights several milestones from previous editions of the World Cup and features some of the major attractions of the upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. The details and highlights of the exhibition were disclosed Sunday at a press briefing at the museum attended by director Abdulla al-Mulla, acting head of exhibitions Aalia Khalid al-Khater, main sponsor ExxonMobil Qatar's vice president and government affairs director Saleh al-Mana, and sports heritage consultant and exhibition curator Andrew Pearce. Exhibits including Diego Maradona's boots (left). The exhibition which runs until April 1, 2023 features some special items from the football world over the years. They include a football used in the finals of the first World Cup tournament in 1930; the first written account of the rules of football, determining how the sport is played; Pele’s Santos shirt from 1973, the year he came to play in Doha; and jerseys worn by some of the sport’s all-time greats. Among the exhibition highlights is the jersey worn by Argentine great, Diego Maradona described by many players as ‘the greatest player of all time’ when he scored twice to give Argentina a 2-1 lead against England in the quarter finals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup. The jersey is on loan to the exhibition after being sold at auction in May 2022, when it became the most expensive piece of sports memorabilia ever purchased. Scarves of participating teams in FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 seen displayed in the museum. PICTURES: Thajudheen. The president of 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla al-Thani, said: “Our exhibition will provide a unique experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds and will not be only limited to football fans. It will also showcase how inclusivity in any sport plays a pivotal role in bringing people together and bridging gaps.” The exhibition will take visitors on a journey through the beginnings and history of football and the origins of the FIFA World Cup, underscoring the sport’s ability to transcend borders and cultures and bring people together. The exhibition opens as part of Qatar Creates, the year-round national cultural movement that curates, promotes, and celebrates the diversity of cultural activities in Qatar. Al-Mulla said: “Football is the most followed sport globally, and this exhibition will give visitors the opportunity to learn how sports, especially football, play a pivotal role in bringing people from diverse backgrounds together. In addition, World of Football will illustrate how the sport has a very special significance in Qatar, and how impactful it is for Qatar to host the World Cup, both locally and throughout the region.” Al-Khater noted that it was the most fitting time to hold such an exhibition. “This is our first exhibition in the museum and it is quite satisfying that we hold an exhibition within such a short span of time since its opening. It is a fitting time to host such an exhibition as we are hosting the World Cup next month. We have had the amazing opportunity to partner and work with many international museums and make this exhibition happen.” The objects, films, and images featured in the exhibition come from a variety of local and international organisations as well as loans from private collectors. Alongside items from 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum’s own football collection, significant items from major international partner museums including the National Football Museum in the UK, the FIFA Museum, and the the Musée du Sport in France demonstrate the global influence of the game. Al-Mana said ExxonMobil is excited to grow its strong and unique relationship with Qatar Museums as the main sponsor of the World of Football, ahead of the FIFA World Cup, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. "We are delighted and proud to be playing our part as an active community member by joining local efforts to ensure its success through partnerships such as this one that supports important activities,” he explained. Curator Pearce pointed out that the exhibition tells a story that even started before the first World Cup in 1930. "It tells when in 1860s when the first laws of football were written. We are very privileged to have one of the those manuscripts.”

The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum has already reached the milestone of 100,000 visitors by Sunday and expects to have 500,000 visitors by the end of this year. “As of today we have reached 100,000 visitors since His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamd al-Thani opened it on March 30, 2022 ,” museum director Abdulla al-Mulla told a press conference held to announce the details of ‘World of Football’ exhibition. “Any Sports museum is an extra special spot and considering all the fans that are coming from around the world to attend the World Cup 2022, we expect the number of visitors to reach 500,000 by the year end,” noted, Aalia Khalid al-Khater, acting head of exhibitions at the museum. Al-Khater continued: “This is our first exhibition in the museum and it is quite satisfying that we hold an exhibition within such a short span of time since our opening. It is a fitting time to host such an exhibition as we are hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 from next month. We have had the amazing opportunity to partner and work with many international museums and make this exhibition happen. The last part of the exhibition highlights this year’s World Cup and therefore we have many more materials to be added to the exhibition from this year’s World Cup." “Over 200 items are displayed at the exhibition. Some of the permanent collections of the museum is on display. The balls from each match from the quarter finals of 2022 will also be added to the exhibition,” she added. According to Andrew Pearce, the curator of the exhibition, it tells a story that even started before the first World Cup in 1930. “It tells about 1860s when the first laws of football were written. We are very privileged to have one of the those manuscripts. Our story starts there and it travels through all the World Cups until 2018 and then we followed the road to Doha. We speak about Qatar’s football history, all the World Cup stadiums in the country and we take the journey to the future and how Qatar is using football for social change,” said Pearce. Taking inspiration from the structure of a typical football match, the exhibition is presented in two halves. The first – Football for All, All for Football – examines the universal and global appeal of football. The second – The Road to Doha – takes the visitor from the first FIFA Men’s World Cup matches in Uruguay in 1930 to the final in this year’s tournament at the Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022. The “extra time” section, History in the Making, will expand throughout the duration of the World Cup, as items from the tournament such as footballs, shoes, scarves, tickets, posters, official merchandise, and other objects, are added to commemorate events that make history in Qatar.

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) will host the 9th edition of the GCC Sports Tournament for Universities and Higher Education Institutes from February 4-10, 2023. “We expect about 1,000 students from over 20 national institutes in the GCC to take part in the tournament,” Noor al-Jassim, development director and tournament committee vice president, told a press conference yesterday. Qatar is organising the event for the second time as Qatar University hosted it several years ago, she pointed out. Dr Maryam bint Hamad al-Mannai, vice president of Student Affairs at HBKU; Mohammed bin Hamad Altuwaijry, head of higher education at the Secretariat General of the GCC and Faisal al-Mohannadi, senior student engagement supervisor and manager of the tournament, were also present. Al-Jassim explained: “The tournament will bring together students to compete in six sports events: football on grass courts, volleyball, table tennis, padel, athletics, and swimming. Most of the games will be conducted at the facilities at Aspire Zone and Education City. Students will also have practice games at Education City.” HBKU was selected to host the tournament by the Committee of Deans of Student Affairs for Universities in the Arab Gulf during its 32nd meeting, held in Oman in February 2022, under the umbrella of the Secretariat General of the Gulf Co-operation Council, and with 37 GCC universities and educational institutes attending. Dr al-Mannai said: “The 9th Sports Tournament for GCC Universities and Higher Education Institutes constitutes the second most prominent sporting event for GCC countries. The facilities will be fully devoted to organising this tournament at the highest level that befits the distinguished international sporting reputation enjoyed by Qatar.” The tournament’s supervisory committee conducted a preparatory meeting at HBKU Wednesday and discussed plans and latest preparations. The official logo of the tournament was launched on the occasion. Dr al-Mannai explained that the logo was chosen following a contest open to students from across Education City. The logo aligns with that of the Secretariat General of the GCC Countries and refers to the strong co-operation ties between the countries. The logo includes the map of the GCC region, the number of the coming edition, and a running track. Al-Mohannadi, noted: “ This sports tournament has always been of paramount importance because of its positive and tangible impact that directly reflects the depth of the relationship between the people of the GCC. From this standpoint, HBKU will ensure that the next edition will constitute a milestone in the history of student sports in GCC countries.” “We conducted multiple meetings during which we discussed the plan of the tournament, approved its logo, the time of holding it, and the proposed games. The committee has also agreed to raise the age ceiling for participants as HBKU is a university that offers higher studies programmes,” added, Altuwaijry.

QNB announced at a special ceremony yesterday that Internet sensation, Khabane ‘Khaby’ Lame, the world’s most followed person on TikTok with over 150mn followers, will be the bank’s Official FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Brand Ambassador. As part of the partnership, QNB also screened Lame’s first-ever television commercial (TVC) with QNB Group at the official signing ceremony. The TVC explores the theme of ‘dreaming big’ – underpinning the ethos of QNB Group’s role in this year’s FIFA World Cup tournament. Ali Rashid al-Mohannadi, QNB group executive general manager and group chief operating officer and Heba Ali al-Tamimi, QNB Group general manager, Group Communications were present on the occasion.   The event at the Novo Cinema of The Mall of Qatar was attended by a number of special invitees. The partnership will build on QNB Group’s role as the Official Middle East and Africa Supporter and Official Qatari Bank of the tournament. Al-Tamimi said: “Choosing Khaby Lame as QNB’s ambassador during the tournament, reflects the boundless ambition of Qatar by hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. By following his dreams, Lame, much like Qatar, has achieved his goals. We are celebrating together a world where everything is possible. As Qatar prepares to welcome millions of football fans this winter, we can certainly be proud of what we have achieved, both as a bank and as a country.” “I am happy to be QNB’s ambassador during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. I believe that I am very similar to QNB, I set my dreams and achieve the impossible. I look forward to explore the tournament through QNB’s lens and to make unforgettable memories,” Lame noted. QNB Group is the Official Middle East and Africa Supporter of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. As part of its role, QNB will be granted various assets and rights across the region, as well as branding exposure in the Host Cities. The group has an extensive network of ATMs and locations, and will be the sole provider of on-site ATMs at all eight FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums.

About 100,000 American football fans are expected to visit Qatar during the FIFA World Cup 2022, revealed the new US ambassador Timmy T Davis Monday and highlighted that Qatar–US relationship is growing from strength to strength. “Our estimates are approaching about some 100,000 American fans or either side of the figure who are expected to visit Qatar during the World Cup. Before they come, we will provide them all the necessary information and all the assistance needed while they are here,” he said in reply to a question from 'Gulf Times' at a media round table at his residence. “We are excited about Qatar hosting the World Cup. The US is part of the next edition of the World Cup and our hope is to learn from Qatar the entire lessons of a successful World Cup. I am convinced that Qatar will host a World Cup that will be a model for major international sports events. I am reassuring all Americans that coming to Qatar will be a once-in-a-life time experience,” said the ambassador. The US envoy said that the relationship with Qatar has been growing well in the recent years. "Fifty years of diplomatic ties with Qatar is very significant. Fifty years is 20% of our existence as a nation. As we celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, it means for a good part of our existence, Qatar has been a good friend of the US.” “The country's role as a leader in the region is emphasised through our designation of Qatar as a Major Non-Nato Alley. We see this relationship as one that has room for growth. Qatar has been a partner with us in many of the major issues we face in the region and most importantly in the recent relocation of people in need in Afghanistan. Qatar was the leader in the initiative to ensure that those who were relocated had a place to go and those people in need-children, women among others- were given shelter here in Qatar,” the envoy explained. Ambassador Davis observed that the US relation with Qatar is based on a number of pillars. “One is education as is reflected in the number of US universities in the Education City and our desire to have more number of Qatari students come to the US. In commerce, the number of American companies doing business in Qatar and with Qatari companies is vast and growing and it is not just in energy sector. We are working to help realise Qatar’s goal of becoming a knowledge based economy. One thing that we hope is that the US-Qatar relationship is a model for the rest of the region and the world,” he highlighted. The envoy also noted that the US holds strategic dialogue with Qatar and it ranges from security to humanitarian assistance to labour and human rights among others. “We do it every year with the government of Qatar to make sure that we are speaking to each other clearly and plainly and finding places where we can cooperate for the betterment of our relationship and the betterment of the globe,” he said. Ambassador Davis also noted that it is important for the US that Qataris, particularly Qatari students travel to the US. “We understand that due to the pandemic and difficulties in consular works in the last couple of years, some of the wait time to get visa to the US is extended. We are aware of it and are working on it very hard,” the envoy told the media. The US envoy pointed that Qatar is also one of the best security partners of the US in the world. “Our airbase is here and it has hosted thousands of US personnel. It acts as a clear signal of our friendship and shared goals of stability regionally and globally,” he added.

  * SC signs MoU with Concordia to raise awareness of Qatar 2022 legacy projects Legacy has been a key element that Qatar has been focusing on, right from the beginning of the preparations of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, noted a top official of Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) at an international event in New York. “From day one, legacy was at the forefront of our plans. Right from the bidding stage, every single project, every single penny spent in terms of infrastructure and other things was designed with legacy in mind,” said HE Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary-General, SC. Al-Thawadi was interacting with Reshmin Chowdhury, a sports journalist, at the Concordia Annual Summit in New York on Monday on the topic ‘FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Legacy Initiatives Beyond the Tournament’. As for a question about labour conditions and reforms in the country, al-Thawadi said that hosting the tournament has a transformational power. “It has a lot of impact in accelerating the infrastructure in the country as well as social reforms. The commitment towards labour reforms is embodied in Qatar National Vision 2030. We recognised that the World Cup would provide the momentum or become a vehicle to provide the reforms. We welcomed all the criticism and worked on them. The work that has been done is a benchmark in the region and it showcases that there is a commitment beyond the tournament. These reforms are done in a way that they are sustainable and last beyond 2022.” The official noted that Qatar has already delivered a legacy in labour reforms by setting a global benchmark. “An action that has become a global benchmark is about recruitment fees. We have made all the recruitment firms to reimburse the fees charged from the workers as recruitment fee. The companies volunteered to pay the recruitment fees which is around $28mn and out which $23mn has already been paid,” he highlighted. Al-Thawadi pointed out that legacy on labour reforms has already been delivered and this is something that has been delivered before the tournament and will last beyond the tournament. He said that the World Cup brings people together and celebrates humanity. “Great sporting events in history showcased the best in humanity. These are common opportunities and common celebrations. This is the biggest event in the post-Covid world that people will be able to celebrate together and that is reflected in record number of tickets that have been issued already. We are a hospitable and welcoming region. People might be from different backgrounds but once you reach our region you feel at home, no matter where you are from,” he highlighted. “Everybody is welcome to Qatar. All communities are welcome and we respect all of them and we also request all to respect our culture and values. It is an experience to explore difference and more importantly to celebrate the coming together of humanity. We are ready to welcome the world and we are excited to experience the first World Cup in the Arab World, which will truly be a global event. We are about to make history,” al-Thawadi added. Al-Thawadi highlighted the work of Generation Amazing, which is on track to reach 1mn beneficiaries. “Since its launch, our human and social legacy programme, Generation Amazing, has been successful in using football as a tool to teach youth and other targeted communities important life skills, like teamwork, leadership and inclusion,” he said. The SC’s commitment to drive workers’ welfare reforms and implement behavioural science projects to improve the impact of its programmes was also discussed by al-Thawadi. The SC also participated in other panel sessions during the event. Mahmoud Qutub, executive director of Workers’ Welfare & Labour Rights, took part in ‘The Social and Human Legacy of the World Cup’, while Dr Fadi Makki, director, B4 Development, took part in the ‘Using Behavioural Insights at the World Cup’ session. Generation Amazing discussed the role of women in shaping its programme and took part in the ‘Sports for Development Future’ panel. Generation Amazing also participated in a roundtable discussion co-organised by Laureus Sports for Good titled ‘Sports for Development and Leveraging Sports Mega Events’. Meanwhile, the SC and Concordia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to share expertise and raise awareness of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 legacy projects. Among the legacy programmes that will benefit from the collaboration are Generation Amazing, the B4 Development Foundation and Workers’ Welfare, according to a press statement by the SC. Al-Thawadi said, “We are very pleased to formalise our strong working relationship with Concordia. Over the years, the summit has been an invaluable platform to share the story of Qatar’s FIFA World Cup, which will be a game-changer for our country and region. Over the past decade, our legacy programmes have been busy making a positive impact in Qatar and across the globe. We look forward to working with Concordia as we strive to achieve our legacy goals.” Matthew Swift, co-founder and CEO, Concordia, added: “We are delighted to formalise our partnership with the SC and support Qatar in its efforts to deliver meaningful impact through its various legacy programmes. With only weeks to go until the big kick-off, we are confident this edition of the FIFA World Cup will have a hugely positive impact on Qatar, the Middle East region and globally.”