Qatar Foundation Dialogue Sparks Global Movement for Sport-Driven Social Development

In a significant three-day dialogue hosted by Qatar Foundation at Wilton Park, international leaders from government, development, policy, and sport came together to advocate for harnessing the power of sport to drive social development. The event, held from September 19 to 21, 2026, emphasized crucial themes of female empowerment, inclusion, and systemic reform, particularly in the Global South.

The dialogue, themed 'Sport for Development in the Global South: Advancing Female Empowerment, Inclusion, and Accessibility', focused on dismantling the structural barriers that limit opportunities for women and girls in sports. This initiative builds on UN Resolution 59/17, a proposal spearheaded by Qatar alongside Indonesia and Morocco, which has garnered the support of 71 countries.

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, made a compelling case for tangible action to extend beyond mere equality. She stated, "The barriers girls face are fundamentally different. Our approach is to close that gap in practice, not just in principle," underscoring the necessity of incorporating women's perspectives in the design of sporting facilities, developing coaching that addresses women-specific needs, and advancing scientific research to support women’s and girls’ sports.

Significant input came from His Excellency Dr. Khalilur Rahman, President-Elect of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly. He articulated that participation in sports alters perceptions, both in the eyes of family and community for young girls and in the self-image they cultivate. According to Dr. Rahman, team involvement teaches girls leadership, resilience, and self-confidence—traits that benefit them academically, professionally, and civically.

The dialogue featured contributions from prominent organizations such as Olympism365, Special Olympics, Laureus Sport for Good, NBA Africa, and FIVB, as well as insights from Olympic medalists Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Ibtihaj Muhammad. Their participation helped frame the current challenges and advantages within the realm of sports development on a global scale.

Qatar Foundation has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to promoting inclusive sport. Over the past two years, they have seen over 70,000 female participants engage in tailored sporting programs at their Education City Stadium. Additionally, their initiatives, including the 'Circle In' project, are currently supporting sports-for-development initiatives across ten different countries.

In response to the feedback gathered during the dialogue, Qatar Foundation and Wilton Park have committed to developing a detailed roadmap. This plan will outline actionable steps in policy, coaching practices, and the necessary infrastructure to enable equal sporting opportunities for all, especially focusing on women and marginalized communities worldwide.

Through this dialogue, the Qatar Foundation aims to pave the way for a coalition that not only champions the principles of equality in sports but also actively facilitates meaningful changes that extend the benefits of sports to broader social contexts. As discussions evolve, the interplay between sports and social empowerment remains clear—sport can forge pathways to individual growth, community integration, and societal advancement.

Ultimately, this dialogue serves as a clarion call to leverage the universal appeal of sport as a vehicle for positive social change, urging all stakeholders to come together and make impactful strides towards a more inclusive future.

For more information about Qatar Foundation and its ongoing initiatives, visit Qatar Foundation.