“Football Diplomacy for Sustainable Development in the World” was the theme of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)’s first International Qatar Model Organization of Islamic Cooperation (MOIC) 2022 for university students, a collaborative event with the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF). 

MOIC is an ICYF initiative that immerses participants in diplomacy and negotiation by creating an academic simulation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation - the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations with 57 member states. 

HBKU welcomed nearly 60 local and international students from several of the member states to the Qatar MOIC, which took place in an online format from February 28 to March 1. The event was opened by Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, Dean of CIS, and His Excellency Mr. Taha Ayhan, ICYF President.

Dr. Shahin said: “Under the banner of ‘Football Diplomacy for Sustainable Development in the World,’ this MOIC Summit is an important stepping stone laid in the path towards the FIFA World Cup 2022. This path is most important for our future changemakers - the student participants who joined us and who engaged intellectually and respectfully with one another over two days. Organizers and participants have found that we are perfectly situated, both academically and geographically, to host this year’s summit, through HBKU’s College of Islamic Studies here in Doha, Qatar, the host of the upcoming World Cup.”

Students took part in simulation-based, interactive activities centered around understanding international football diplomacy and negotiation. These were framed by current trends in theory and practice of international relations, effective communication, and multilateral diplomacy. The aim was to initiate dialogue, debate, and potential cooperation among participants and also encourage new members for MOIC Student Clubs in Qatar.

Since signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the ICYF in January 2020, HBKU - through its College of Islamic Studies - has established an active MOIC Club, with the goal of creating programs that contribute to the academic and social development of the region’s youth. 

Speaking after the event, His Excellency Mr. Taha Ayhan, ICYF President, said: “The MOIC brought together students from diverse backgrounds, and succeeded in its aim of establishing common areas of understanding to achieve change - through the universal appeal of football. In this sense, the first international MOIC for HBKU and for Qatar, was an excellent platform for collectively exchanging ideas and building capacity to engage in dialogue based on Islamic values. Beyond the event, our MOIC laid the ground for partnerships and knowledge networks to advance sustainable development.”

Following the successful Qatar International MOIC 2022, participants will continue developing sustainability-related projects and working towards establishing MOIC Clubs in their respective universities. 

For more information about the College of Islamic Studies, please visit cis.hbku.edu.qa. The deadline for Qatari nationals and residents who wish to apply to one of HBKU’s wide-ranging programs is March 15, 2022. Interested students should visit admissions.hbku.edu.qa.