Qatar Foundation Calls for Global Coalition to Advance

HE Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, has called on international sports, government, policy, development and civil society leaders to join a global coalition aimed at using sport as a tool for social development.

The call was made during a high-level dialogue hosted by Qatar Foundation (QF) and Wilton Park.

Dialogue Focuses on Women, Inclusion and Accessibility

Held under the theme “Sport for Development in the Global South: Advancing Female Empowerment, Inclusion, and Accessibility,” the three-day dialogue examined the barriers that continue to prevent women and girls from fully participating in sport.

Participants discussed changes needed across areas including:

Policy and research
Financing
Sports infrastructure
Coaching
Athletic development pathways
Inclusion and accessibility

The event brought together policymakers, development experts, rights advocates, multilateral development banks, NGOs and sports administrators.

The discussions also explored how countries in the Global South can have a greater role in shaping international sporting and development priorities.

Participants stressed the importance of ensuring that policies and solutions reflect the realities and needs of the communities they are designed to serve.

Following the dialogue, Wilton Park, an Executive Agency of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Qatar Foundation will jointly develop a post-event policy brief.

The document will outline potential actions, partnerships and approaches to addressing barriers faced by women and girls, people with disabilities and displaced communities in accessing sport.

Sheikha Hind Calls for Global Sport-for-Development Coalition

Speaking at the dialogue, Sheikha Hind invited participants to join a global sport-for-development coalition that can turn commitments into practical action.

Her call builds on a 2025 United Nations resolution recognising sport as a human right and as a means of empowering women and girls globally.

The resolution, 59/17, was initiated and submitted by Qatar on behalf of a core group of countries including Indonesia and Morocco. It has since been co-sponsored by 71 countries.

Sheikha Hind said the ambition of the resolution goes beyond simply achieving parity, highlighting that women and girls often face different barriers to participation.

Addressing Barriers Facing Women and Girls

Sheikha Hind highlighted safety concerns, social stigma and gaps in research as some of the challenges affecting women and girls in sport.

She also pointed to patterns of high injury rates among female athletes and high dropout rates among adolescent girls, saying sporting pathways are often not designed with their needs in mind.

She said Qatar Foundation’s approach focuses on addressing these gaps by involving women in the design of facilities, providing coaching tailored to women and girls, and strengthening scientific research in women’s sport.

Describing sport as an underused development tool, Sheikha Hind said it can help build confidence, mobility, leadership and opportunity, particularly for women and girls in disadvantaged communities.

However, she noted that access remains uneven because of structural and cultural barriers.

She called for a sustained agenda bringing together partners to advance shared development goals through sport, with Qatar Foundation ready to help lead the coalition.

UN Official Highlights Sport’s Impact on Girls

In his opening address, HE President-Elect of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Dr. Khalilur Rahman, highlighted the role sport can play in changing perceptions of girls and women in their communities.

He said participation in team sports can help girls develop confidence, leadership skills and resilience, with these qualities potentially extending into education, employment and civic life.

He also highlighted the importance of women coaches, referees and athletes as role models and said inclusive, community-focused partnerships can support the UN’s development and human rights agenda.

Qatar Highlights Inclusion of Women and Girls with Disabilities

HE Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, emphasised the importance of ensuring women and girls with disabilities participate in sport on an equal footing.

She said inclusion requires involving them in the early stages of designing programmes and policies, listening to their needs and allowing them to contribute to decisions affecting their lives.

She added that accessible sport can contribute to empowerment, confidence and independence while creating sustainable opportunities for women and girls with disabilities to participate, develop and take leadership roles.

Sport Can Support Sustainable Development

HE Director General of Qatar Fund for Development, Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, described sport as a catalyst for sustainable development and peace.

He highlighted the role of innovative financing and collective action in creating locally owned and sustainable opportunities for women, young people and marginalised communities.

He also called for cooperation between governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society to use sport to support more inclusive and resilient communities.

Focus on Disability Rights and Accessibility

During the dialogue, Sheikha Hind attended a session titled “Advancing Inclusion and Accessibility in Sport: From Disability Rights to Practical Action.”

Speakers included Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, David Evangelista, President and Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics, and Kristina Molloy, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the International Paralympic Committee.

The dialogue was also attended by Charles S. Ramson, Guyana’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

Qatar Foundation’s Longstanding Sports Initiatives

Qatar Foundation has a longstanding track record of creating opportunities for women and girls through sport in Qatar, across the region and internationally.

The latest dialogue builds on these efforts while seeking broader international cooperation to make sport more accessible, inclusive and effective as a tool for social development.