FIFA, football’s global governing body, and Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy have delivered the sustainability strategy for the country’s hosting of the World Cup in 2022.
FIFA and the Supreme Committee began to develop and implement the strategy five years ago. It marked the first time that FIFA had worked with the host country and local organisers to plan and deliver the strategy.
FIFA has now defined the five sustainability commitments that will deliver the shared vision. They are: to develop human capital and safeguard workers’ rights; to provide an inclusive tournament experience; to catalyse economic development; to deliver innovative environmental solutions; and to set an example of good governance and ethical business practices.
A total of 22 objectives have been outlined, along with more than 70 concrete initiatives and programmes that will seek to deliver the strategy and achieve the objectives set.
FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura said: “The FIFA World Cup offers us a unique opportunity to bring about positive change – one that FIFA and Qatar cannot, and will not, let slip away. All critical topics related to the event have been identified and duly addressed in this strategy, such as workers’ welfare, human rights, non-discrimination and environmental protection.
“The document is also in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and we are committed to contributing to those through the power of football and of the biggest single-sport event on the planet.”
Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the Supreme Committee and Qatar 2022 chairman, added: “When Qatar bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2022, it did so with a vision to use the tournament as a catalyst for sustainable, long-term change in Qatar and across the Arab world.
“From the start, we believed in the power of football and the FIFA World Cup to inspire innovation, to build bridges between cultures and peoples and to accelerate positive social transformation. Our measure of success for the tournament in Qatar will ultimately be the legacy it leaves behind. This strategy will help Qatar to realise that vision and ensure its success.”
Over 100 national and international governmental, non-governmental and private-sector organisations were consulted when drawing up the issues and initiatives that form the framework.
In a first for a major sporting event, the development process for the strategy included a full human rights salience assessment.
In other news, real estate company Admares has teamed up with Qetaifan Projects to construct and operate 16 floating hotels within fan villages at the Qatar World Cup. The hotels will be 72 metres long and 16 metres wide and consist of 101 guest rooms, a restaurant and lounge bar.
Qetaifan Projects is owned by Katara Hospitality and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Admares to build the hotels on the shores of Qetaifan Island North, which is located close to Lusail International Stadium. The stadium is scheduled to have a capacity of 80,000 and will host the opening match and final of the 2022 World Cup.
Image: FIFA
Share this