Doha, Qatar, February 26, 2025: The Qatar Olympic Committee participated in the "Empowering Women and Girls in and through Sport Forum" which took place at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Tuesday, February 25.
The event was jointly organised by the Qatar Olympic Committee, the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations in Geneva and the International Centre for Sport Security as part of the Human Rights Council’s 58th Session.
The forum was attended by high-ranking Qatari officials including HE Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain, QOC Secretary General, HE Dr. Hend Abdulrahman Al Muftah, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, HE Mrs. Maryam Ali Nasser Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Mohammed Al Heznab, President of the International Centre for Sport Security.
Delivering a keynote address, QOC Secretary General Jassim Al-Buenain said: “It is a privilege to be here today and reflect on the extraordinary power of sport as a catalyst for equality and opportunity. Sport has a unique ability to transcend borders, unite people and inspire transformation particularly for women and girls, who in many places continue to face systemic barriers to progress.”
Commenting on QOC initiatives, the Secretary General said: “Through partnerships like the ‘Creating Pathways’ programme, which encourages girls aged 12 to 16 to participate in sports, we are ensuring the future of sport in Qatar is inclusive, accessible and transformative. Our partnerships with athletics, basketball and volleyball federations are just the beginning of a broader strategy to foster grassroots development and sporting excellence.”
During a panel discussion, Team Qatar equestrian star Maryam Al-Buenain shared her personal story: “As a proud athlete, a proud Qatari and an Arab woman, I want to use my experience and my story to challenge stereotypes and contribute to a world where more girls and women can be empowered through sport.”
By engaging in this high-level dialogue, QOC continues to lead efforts toward gender equity in sport, reinforcing the need for collaboration between governments, international organisations and civil society to drive meaningful and lasting change.
