SC chief al-Thawadi speaks about the power of football at Cambridge University

The unifying power of sport and football in particular was the main focus of a speech given by Hassan al-Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), at the prestigious Cambridge University in the United Kingdom last week.  As part of the annual lecture series established by the Doha International Centre for Interfaith Dialogue and the Woolf Institute, al-Thawadi discussed the significance of bringing different cultures together at the Middle East’s first FIFA World Cup. Previous speakers in this lecture series have included Lord Williams of Oystermouth, Lord Woolf of Barnes, Professor Karen Armstrong and Dr Aisha al-Mannai.  “It is a true honour for me to be chosen by the Woolf Institute and the Doha International Centre for Interfaith Dialogue to give their annual lecture at this location, steeped in history and academia,” said al-Thawadi. In his speech, al-Thawadi explained what the World Cup will mean for Qatar and the Middle East. He said: “We will strive to ensure that 2022 serves as a platform for enhancing cultural understanding in this era where voices of extremism promote exclusion instead of inclusion. It is an opportunity for people to travel to the region, meet people, and delve beyond the stereotypes that have been perpetrated for decades and centuries. “The importance of people-to-people relations should not be underestimated and there is no more effective vehicle for this than football, and the World Cup,” he added. With over 90 distinguished guests in presence during the speech, including Ajay Sharma, British ambassador to the State of Qatar, as well as Lord Woolf of Barnes, the SC Secretary General pointed to the unique opportunity the tournament in 2022 will offer the region.  “The Middle East deserves its chance to showcase its own special brand of hospitality to the world. It deserves its chance on the international stage to be in the headlines for reasons other than war and conflict.” Al-Thawadi referred to efforts made by the SC to ensure that the 2022 FIFA World Cup builds human capabilities and capacities with different projects and initiatives, such as the Josoor Institute, an academic centre of excellence for the sporting industry, or Challenge 22, which seeks to inspire the brightest young thinkers in the region to create innovative solutions that can serve to enhance the tournament in 2022. The Secretary General also talked about Murtaza, the Afghan boy whose dream came true when he met Lionel Messi in Qatar in December 2016.  He said: “This powerful image, and the joy that football brought this child – in my mind, symbolised the incredible reach that football possessed. In December we hosted a friendly match between FC Barcelona and the Saudi team Al Ahli and we were able to bring this young boy to Doha and he met his hero, walking on to the field with him before the match started.” Just like Murtaza dreamt of meeting his hero, al-Thawadi pledged to continue dreaming and aiming high: “People may label us dreamers – and if so, it’s a label that we are proud of. Through the 2022 FIFA World Cup, we will endeavour to provide a platform for our people to demonstrate their innovation, their humour, their passion, their warm and welcoming hospitality, and above all celebrate their humanity. A platform to respect, accept and celebrate our differences.” (sc.qa)