Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has launched a new online program as part of its ongoing agreement with edX, a global provider of massive open online courses (MOOCs) created by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

The professional certificate program in ‘Sustainability and Major Sport Events' – designed in partnership with Josoor Institute – addresses the critical sustainability aspects of planning and hosting large-scale sporting events in Qatar and around the world. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to plan and execute a sustainable major sport event, applying sustainability factors such as infrastructure, environmental impact, social and human considerations, and governance.

Josoor Institute, a sports and events expertise hub created by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), is tasked with building the capabilities of professionals in the sports and events industries to successfully deliver major sporting events in Qatar and the MENA region, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup™ and beyond. Through certification and research, Josoor Institute equips industry professionals with the know-how and creativity required to deliver every facet of world-class high-profile sporting and leisure events.  

The program instructors include experts from HBKU entities, Josoor Institute, and the SC, who are directly involved in the delivery of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Dr. Marwan Khraisheh, senior research director, HBKU , said: “Our partnership with edX has enabled HBKU to transcend borders and make our unique academic offerings accessible in all parts of the world. The launch of the ‘Sustainability and Major Sport Events' program marks the second phase of our successful partnership. The program is specifically tailored to build human capacity for the growing number of international sporting events held in Qatar, and to support the country as it prepares to host the region’s first FIFA World Cup.” 

The ‘Sustainability and Major Sport Events' program comprises two courses: ‘Sustainability and Major Sport Events – Principles’, which focuses on the five pillars of sustainability: human, social, economic, governance, and environmental; and ‘Sustainability and Major Sport Events – Implementation’, examining event orchestration, event planning and execution, strategy, action planning and implementation, sustainability reporting, procurement, legacy and development, and communication. 

Afraa Al-Noaimi, executive director, Josoor Institute, said: “Sustainability is a significant aspect of every global sports event, and Josoor Institute has the opportunity to train professionals who will lead Qatar’s efforts to advance sustainability throughout the planning and delivery of our mega-event. The program, and our partnership with HBKU, marks another important step towards the professional advancement of the world-class expertise we need from everyone involved in delivering an outstanding 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

“The partnership also strengthens our endeavors to create an enduring legacy that will support the sustainable socio-economic development of Qatar and the region well after 2022.”

The program is designed for event organizers; sustainability and environmental professionals; sports professionals who interact with players, fans, and spectators; those responsible for sports infrastructure, including stadiums and sports fields; professionals in marketing and public relations; and project managers.

HBKU officiated the agreement with edX on the sidelines of the edX Global Forum in November last year, and with this partnership, HBKU is the first university in the region to make a selection of its interdisciplinary courses accessible to millions of students from across the globe. 

Through its various strategic partnerships, HBKU aims to put its quality academic and research programs and courses within the reach of students in Qatar and the rest of the world. 

In January, HBKU introduced its inaugural program in partnership with edX, ‘Solar Energy in Hot Desert Climates’, comprising two courses: ‘Solar Resource Assessment in Desert Climates’ and ‘Using Photovoltaic (PV) Technology in Desert Climates’, tailored to enable solar engineers, investors, and energy policymakers to better understand and mitigate the technical issues associated with solar energy production in desert environments. The program has already drawn over 1000 learners from more than 95 countries across the world since its launch. 

The professional certificate program in ‘Sustainability and Major Sport Events' is now open for enrollment.
For more information, please visit: www.edx.org/school/hbkux