Doha, Qatar: As the world faces an increasing number of crises, the role of sport in emergencies has never been more critical. Recognizing this urgent need, the UNESCO Chair on Governance and Social Responsibility in Sport at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) successfully convened the inaugural expert meeting, Fit for Life in Emergencies: UNESCO Chairs in Sport & Physical Activity.
Held from February 10 to 13, 2025, at the UN House in Doha, the event underscored the necessity of sport as a tool for resilience, healing, and long-term recovery.
Co-sponsored by the Qatar National Research Fund, the Delegation of the European Union to the State of Qatar, the UNESCO’s Regional Office in Doha for the GCC States and Yemen, the Generation Amazing Foundation, the International Center for Sport Security, and the College of Science and Engineering at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, the gathering brought together global experts, UNESCO Chairs, NGOs, and sport organizations to explore innovative strategies for leveraging sport and quality physical education in crisis settings and to protect sport ecosystems, whether a result of natural or man-made disasters.
“This event comes at a time when the world is grappling with unprecedented humanitarian challenges. The ability of sport and quality physical education to foster resilience, inclusion, and recovery is no longer a secondary consideration—it is a necessity,” remarked Salah Khaled, UNESCO Representative to the Gulf States and Yemen. “By bringing together global experts, we are not just discussing ideas; we are laying the foundation for concrete action that can make a difference where it is needed most.”
The meeting reinforced Qatar’s leadership in using sport as a driver for development, peace, and social change, aligning with UNESCO’s Fit for Life initiative and the Third Qatar National Development Strategy 2024-2030.
Since 2005, Qatar has hosted 176 high-profile sporting events, solidifying its reputation as a global sports hub. As Vice-Chair of the Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport (CIGEPS), Qatar continues to champion sport as a force for good, ensuring that major sporting legacies translate into sustainable social impact.
Nasser Al Khori, Executive Director of GA, emphasized the transformative power of sport, stating, “We are at a turning point where sport is no longer seen as a luxury in crisis response but as an essential tool for fostering hope, dignity, and resilience.
This meeting underscores Qatar’s dedication to sport for development and peace, highlighting how our initiatives can create lasting impact, particularly for marginalized and at-risk communities.”
“Sport is a powerful instrument for social inclusion, resilience, and peace-building. The European Union strongly believes in the unifying power of sport, especially in times of crisis.
Through initiatives like Fit for Life in Emergencies, we reaffirm our commitment to using sport as a tool for diplomacy and humanitarian response,” said H.E. Cristian Tudor, Ambassador of the European Union to the State of Qatar. “By working together across sectors, we can ensure that sport continues to bring hope and tangible support to those affected by emergencies.”
A highlight of the four-day event was a sport-for-development activation at the Al Thumama Compound in Qatar for medical evacuees from Gaza, Palestine, held on National Sports Day.
This activation demonstrated how sport can provide a sense of normalcy, promote mental and physical well-being, and rebuild trust in communities affected by conflict and displacement.
Through a series of workshops, experts examined critical governance challenges, innovative approaches to sport delivery in emergencies, and strategies to measure impact.
Discussions focused on ensuring that sport remains an accessible and vital mechanism for inclusion, peacebuilding, and sustainable recovery, particularly for refugees, displaced persons, individuals with disabilities, and migrant communities.
Dr Christos Anagnostopoulos, UNESCO Chair at HBKU, underscored the academic significance of the gathering, stating, “The global landscape is shifting, and with it, the role of sport in emergencies must evolve to encompass social responsibility and governance as two vital dimensions.
The outcomes of this event will not only shape future research and policy but also aim to empower the next generation of leaders to harness sport as a tool for social change in crisis contexts.”
Expected outcomes from the meeting include the development of a co-authored “blueprint for action,” offering strategic guidance on governance, implementation, and impact measurement for sport-in-emergencies programs.
This blueprint will be presented at UNESCO’s 2025 CIGEPS meeting, positioning Qatar at the forefront of global sports diplomacy and humanitarian efforts.
Additionally, a new continuing professional development (CPD) course will be developed, equipping students specializing in sport with the expertise to navigate emergency contexts and reinforcing Qatar’s commitment to research-driven policy and advocacy in this evolving field.
The Fit for Life in Emergencies expert meeting is laying the groundwork for international cooperation and immediate action.
As crises grow more complex, the insights and commitments forged in Doha will drive global efforts to ensure that sport remains a beacon of hope, resilience, and recovery in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
