Dr. Kamilla Swart-Arries, Associate Professor at the College of Science and Engineering, HBKU, visited the College of Public Policy to speak to students in the “Specialization Lab in Energy and the Environment” course in the Masters of Public Policy (MPP) program. The course gives second-year MPP students the opportunity to interact with real-world policy-makers on current energy and environmental issues facing Qatar and the Gulf region. 

During her visit, Dr. Swart-Arries discussed the importance of mega sports events and their policy-influencing impacts on host nations. She emphasized the interaction of international sporting events with climate change and environmental stress. This included a discussion of event legacies and the interaction of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022TM with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Swart-Arries also mentioned the UN Sports for Climate Action Initiative of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Qatar Olympic Committee became a signatory of the Initiative in April 2021. Students were able to ask Dr. Swart questions following her presentation.

The College of Public Policy is committed to providing students a unique educational experience. This Specialization Lab and its guest speakers is an example of this objective.