World Cup 2022 Sustainability Strategy presented by Qatar and FIFA
In the first-ever joint FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Sustainability Strategy, Qatar and FIFA present goals regarding the development of human capital, as well as protecting the rights of workers to help deliver innovative environmental solutions in all the years to come. These commitments form the framework of the said strategy via a very meticulous consultation process with both international and local stakeholders.
The initiatives presented involve thorough workshops, meetings, and surveys as well as the circulation of drafts with thematic experts in cooperation with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) and FIFA. Over 100 national and international organisations were involved, consulting governmental, non-governmental, and the private sector as well. The whole process also breaks ground in a first-ever full human rights salience assessment for a mega-sporting event.
According to the statement, “In less than three years’ time, the FIFA World Cup will be held in the Arab world for the first time, in a fast-growing economy and in the most geographically compact area since the inaugural edition of the tournament in 1930. Qatar presents… unparalleled opportunities to leave a lasting positive legacy beyond the event.”
The shared goal of this ambitious vision has its roots in the Sustainability Strategy represented by the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (Q22). There will be five sustainability commitments defined by the strategy, which includes developing the rights of workers and protecting human capital, offering a tournament experience that is inclusive, catalysing economic development, fostering innovative environmental solutions, and setting the bar of the highest standards when it comes to examples of good governance as well as ethical business practices.
According to Hassan al-Thawadi, SC secretary-general and Q22 chairman, “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 realise that vision and ensure its success.”
Fatma Samoura, FIFA secretary-general, added, “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.”
“The SC, in particular, has taken the risk and broken new ground by going far beyond declarations to form a partnership with the BWI in order to conduct joint safety inspections and train elected workers’ representatives. This is action on the worksite and not mere words and promises of reforms. It is making a difference for construction workers,” Ambet Yuson, general secretary of the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI), said. “In the strategy, FIFA and the other tournament organisers commit to expanding these efforts to cover workers in other sectors involved in delivering the tournament. We know that this work has already begun. The workers’ rights legacy of the 2022 tournament will be more meaningful once these initiatives are implemented for all workers in Qatar – in construction and beyond.”
Furthermore, the documents on the Human Pillar of the strategy says, “We are committed to safeguarding the rights and welfare of workers engaged on FIFA World Cup 2022 sites and promoting their rights in projects and supply chains directly linked to the FIFA World Cup, leaving a legacy of world-class standards and practices for workers in Qatar and internationally. We also aim to leverage the unique platform provided by the FIFA World Cup 2022 to develop a capable and motivated workforce and empower young people across the region.”
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