Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation calls for global coalition to advance social development through sport

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al-Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, has urged global leaders from sports, government, policy, development, and civil society to unite in a coalition aimed at fostering social development through sport. The call came during a three-day high-level dialogue hosted by Qatar Foundation and Wilton Park, themed "Sport for Development in the Global South: Advancing Female Empowerment, Inclusion, and Accessibility."

The dialogue brought together policymakers, development practitioners, rights advocates, multilateral development banks, NGOs, and sport administrators to address why existing sports systems continue to marginalize women and girls. Discussions centered on how the Global South can contribute to international priorities, ensuring solutions align with community realities.

Among the attendees was Her Excellency Sheikha Hind, a prominent advocate for women's and girls' sports. She urged participants to join a global sport-for-development coalition, building on a 2025 United Nations resolution that recognizes sport as a human right and empowerment tool for women and girls. This resolution, co-sponsored by 71 countries, aims to advance women's and girls' rights beyond mere parity, addressing unique challenges faced by female athletes, such as safety risks, stigma, and a research landscape that has largely neglected their needs.

Her Excellency Sheikha Hind emphasized the need to adapt sport for women and girls through inclusive design, tailored coaching, and adequate research. She highlighted that sport can build confidence, mobility, leadership, and opportunities, particularly for women and girls in impoverished communities. However, access remains unequal due to structural and cultural barriers.

The 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, presided over by Dr. Khalilur Rahman, highlighted sport's role in transforming societal perceptions of women and girls. He noted that sports participation empowers girls, builds confidence, and challenges traditional norms. Dr. Khalilur Rahman sees initiatives like the dialogue as vital partnerships for the UN to deliver inclusive and multilateral progress.

Dr. Mariam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation, stressed that empowering women and girls with disabilities in sports requires their active involvement in program and policy design. She emphasized that accessible sports transcend competition, fostering empowerment, confidence, and independence for all participants.