Both parties envision the initiative as a way to foster peace and empower youth in the global south to express themselves through basketball.

The Organising Committee of the Qatar 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup and  Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), outlining future joint ventures.

In the announcement made via X on Wednesday,  the QFFD said that the goal of the newly struck accord was to utilise basketball as a “tool for achieving peace and building development around the world.”

Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, the QFFD’s Director-General, hailed this latest development as a beacon for opportunities.

Qatar News Agency reported that during the signing ceremony, Al Kuwari said that the MoU will continue the fund’s function of supporting the global south’s young people, especially in conflict zones, to have avenues of expression.

The partnership with the national organising committee for the upcoming FIBA games will also promote peace and contribute to achieving sustainable development goals, he added.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Saad Al Meghaiseeb, the President of the Qatar Basketball Federation and Director-General of the Qatar 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup’s organising committee, said he was looking forward to assisting the QFFD in their mission.

Echoing Al Kuwari’s sentiment, Al Meghaiseeb also said that through basketball, the initiative will bring about positive and impactful change to the global south through community-led projects.