Qatar’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva has hosted a high-level event focused on empowering women and girls through sport, bringing together international officials, diplomats, and sports leaders on the sidelines of the UN Human Rights Council session.
The event, organised in cooperation with Qatar Foundation and Qatar Sports Investments, highlighted efforts to move “from words to deeds” in advancing gender equality in sport and strengthening opportunities for women and girls worldwide.
In her keynote address, Qatar Foundation Vice Chairperson Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani described sport as a fundamental human right and a key tool for advancing women’s participation globally. She stressed the need for sport systems designed with women in mind, including better research, tailored coaching, and improved infrastructure.
She also warned that despite growing investment in women’s sport, challenges remain, including higher injury rates and dropout levels among young female athletes. She called for more inclusive and science-based approaches to sports development.
Qatar Sports Investments Chairman Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, speaking in a recorded message, emphasised the importance of expanding opportunities for women in both participation and leadership roles within sport, highlighting ongoing initiatives by QSI and its partners.
The event also featured remarks from Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Dr Hend Abdulrahman Al-Muftah, who said international commitments must be translated into practical initiatives that ensure safe and equal access to sport for women and girls.
Senior representatives from the United Nations and international sporting bodies also attended, underscoring the global focus on sport as a tool for social development, inclusion, and the promotion of human rights.
At the end of the event, organisers announced a new international initiative and award aimed at recognising efforts that support women and girls in sport, alongside a photo exhibition showcasing achievements of female athletes and programmes promoting equality in sport.
