Qatar Foundation, Wilton Park call for global action on sport and social development

International leaders from sport, government, policy, development and civil society have called for a global coalition to turn sport’s potential as a driver of social development into practical action.

The call came during a three-day dialogue hosted by Qatar Foundation (QF) and Wilton Park under the theme ‘Sport for Development in the Global South: Advancing Female Empowerment, Inclusion, and Accessibility’.

The dialogue brought together policymakers, development practitioners, rights advocates, NGOs and sports administrators to examine barriers preventing women and girls, people with disabilities and displaced communities from accessing and benefiting from sport.

Participants discussed the need for greater action across policy, research, financing, infrastructure, coaching and athletic pathways, with particular focus on ensuring that the Global South has a stronger role in shaping international priorities.

Wilton Park, an Executive Agency of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and QF will jointly develop a roadmap outlining actions, partnerships and approaches to breaking down barriers to participation.

Speaking at the dialogue, Shaikha Hind bint Hamad al Thani, Vice Chairperson of Qatar Foundation, invited participants to join a global sport-for-development coalition aimed at turning commitments into action.

Shaikha Hind said existing sporting systems often fail to address the specific needs of women and girls, citing safety risks, stigma and gaps in research. She called for women to be involved in the design of sports facilities, coaching tailored to their needs and stronger scientific research on women’s and girls’ sport.

“Sport is one of the most underused tools we have for development,” she said, noting its potential to build confidence, mobility, leadership and opportunities, particularly for women and girls in disadvantaged communities.

The dialogue was attended by representatives of Olympism365, the International Paralympic Committee, Special Olympics, the British Olympic Association, the New Zealand Olympic Committee, the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, Right to Play, NBA Africa and other organisations.

Athletes including sprint champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Olympic fencing medallist Ibtihaj Muhammad also participated, alongside Guyana’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Charles S Ramson.

Sessions focused on the contribution of women’s and girls’ sport to development goals, removing systemic barriers, the role of donors and investors, expanding access for women and girls with disabilities, strengthening the influence of female athletes and sporting nations in the Global South, and preserving cultural heritage through traditional sports.

Dr Khalilur Rahman, President-Elect of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, said sport can help change how girls are viewed by their families and communities while building confidence and leadership.

Amina Mohamed, Kenya’s former Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Culture and Heritage, said sporting systems must be transformed so women and girls can lead and shape global priorities.

Dr Mamadou Tangara, Head of the African Union Mission in Mali and the Sahel, described sport as a tool for development, community cohesion and peace, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

Qatar Foundation said more than 70,000 women and girls have participated in sporting events at Education City Stadium over the past two years, while more than 1,000 girls have taken part in its Creating Pathways programme for young female sporting talent.

QF also said its Circle In initiative, led by the Education Above All Foundation and the International Olympic Committee, supports sport-for-good projects in 10 countries, focusing on women and girls, people with disabilities and marginalised communities.