Carbon Neutral World Cup 2022 Virtual Event

The Embassy of the State of Qatar hosted a virtual event in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to discuss Qatar's plans to host a carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup™

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Embassy of the State of Qatar and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted a virtual event on March 8, 2021, titled, “Carbon-Neutral World Cup 2022.” This virtual event highlighted Qatar’s sustainability efforts, which remain at the core of the infrastructure and tournament operations planning for the FIFA World Cup 2022™, and Qatar’s tactics to deliver a fully carbon-neutral event.

The event was opened by Khush Choksy, Senior Vice President for the Middle East, Turkey, and Kazakhstan at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and featured keynote remarks from Engineer Bodour Al Meer, Sustainability Director from the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy of Qatar. The event also included remarks by Beau Waters, Sports & Entertainment, Market Director at Jacobs, and remarks by Ambassador Greta Holtz, Chargé D’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy Doha, as well as a Q&A discussion led by Steve Lutes, Vice President for Middle East Affairs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Through this virtual exchange, the panelists discussed Qatar’s commitment to fighting climate change through efforts to measure, mitigate, and offset all greenhouse gas emissions associated with the much-anticipated international tournament. Qatar’s carbon-neutral approach will catalyze low-carbon solutions across the region that will drive growth in a low-carbon economy. The FIFA World Cup 2022 will be the first carbon-neutral tournament of its kind and will set a benchmark for environmental stewardship for major sporting events.

“In building the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Sustainability Strategy, we sought to align with relevant international standards and guidelines, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Engineer Al Meer, “We are sure that the sustainability program for the FIFA World Cup 2022 will minimize environmental impact and enhance the tournament experience overall, while at the same time deliver value for generations to come in Qatar and beyond.”

“As a partner of FIFA World Cup 2022, Jacobs has worked closely with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy in Qatar and served as a partner for over a decade to deliver infrastructure for the event and help meet the sustainability requirements committed to during the bid process,” said Beau Waters, Market Director of Sports & Entertainment at Jacobs. “The World Cup has been a catalyst for increased attention and awareness around sustainability in the region and it has been an important component driving many global sporting events to Qatar. The work being done is a great representation of Qatar’s commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality, and we are honored to be a part of it.”

The Qatar National Vision 2030 emphasizes managing Qatar’s rapid development by balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Sustainability has been at the heart of the FIFA World Cup 2022 from the start, with planning and delivery premised on the idea that generations to come should find our shared planet a greener, more equitable place, free from discrimination and full of opportunities for all.

“The FIFA World Cup 2022 presents an opportunity to facilitate economic growth and diversification in Qatar and also in the United States by linking local businesses to global value chains and producing opportunities for the U.S. private sector,” said Khush Choksy, Senior Vice President for Middle East, Turkey, and Kazakhstan, U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “The Supreme Committee has invested heavily in developing sustainable tournament sites and lessening the impact of the World Cup on the environment, and as a result has created new partnerships with U.S. companies and strengthened commercial ties between the U.S. and Qatar. We applaud Qatar for focusing on environmental priorities as it hosts this major global sporting event and for its efforts to benefit employment in the U.S. and Qatar.”

As one of the first countries to ratify the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1996, combating climate change and promoting the importance of sustainability must include investment in alternative energy, green building initiatives, and other green technologies. Qatar is dedicated to a long-term view of sustainability, driving responsible development for a cleaner world.

“The “Carbon Neutral World Cup” offers a unique test for us to set goals, achieve and measure results, and demonstrate to the people of our countries that we’re serious about slowing climate change and ensuring a better future for all,” said Ambassador Greta Holtz, Chargé D’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy Doha.

To learn more about the efforts being made to promote a sustainable FIFA World Cup 2022 and environmentally conscious global community, please click here.

About the Embassy of the State of Qatar to the United States

The Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, D.C. houses Qatar's diplomatic mission to the United States. The primary purposes of the Embassy of Qatar are to highlight Qatar’s policies on regional issues, strengthen Qatar-U.S. bilateral relations, and assist Qatari citizens who travel or live in the U.S. The current Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States of America is His Excellency Sheikh Meshal Bin Hamad Al-Thani.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations. They all share one thing: They count on the U.S. Chamber to be their voice in Washington, across the country, and around the world. For more than 100 years, we have advocated for pro-business policies that help businesses create jobs and grow our economy.

Media Contact
Embassy of the State of Qatar
Henri Viès
henri@getproofusa.com
+1 650-776-9289