The first half of 2019 has been “exceptionally busy” for Josoor Institute, with the start of the third cohort of the Executive Development and Professional Diploma Programmes, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has said in a report.
In addition to the continued engagement with graduates and industry stakeholders and networking with partners through high-profile events, the SC programme has now reached more than 4,000 beneficiaries, according to sc.qa. 
A centre of excellence for the sports and events sectors, and inspired and developed by the SC, Josoor Institute is “committed to utilising the power of Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to develop industry professionals, and contribute to the economic and social development of Qatar and the region”. 
Afraa al-Noaimi, Josoor Institute executive director, said: “Since Josoor Institute was founded in 2013, we have equipped over 4,000 sports and events professionals with the know-how to deliver this tournament and other events beyond. Over the past six months, we’ve seen exciting projects move forward and, before the end of the year, we will also be delivering a Sports & Events legacy forum as well as a series of professional development workshops focusing on guest management and venue and stadium management. We are making sure that every aspect of the 2022 tournament will offer a remarkable fan experience.”
Josoor Institute launched the third cohort of the Professional Diploma Programmes in Sports Management and Major Events Management in March.
Both professional courses received an “overwhelming response”, and women made up half of the participants in the Major Events Management Programme, the report said.
Javier Zanetti, legendary footballer and vice-president at FC Internazionale Milano, and a member of the Organising Committee for FIFA Competitions, was among the invited guests at the launch event. Participants had the chance to learn from Zanetti’s professional experiences as he shared insights on the role of professional sports education and event management.
The third edition of the Executive Development Programme is now past the half-way mark.
The programme was designed for leaders in sports and events industries.
It is delivered over three non-consecutive weeks in three different cities.
Participants met in Doha for Week 1, travelled to Atlanta for Week 2 in June, and will finish the programme in London later this year.
This year’s programme included several well-known figures from Qatar’s sports world: SC ambassador and beIN Sports anchor Mohamed Saadoun al-Kuwari, Al Kass Sports Channels presenter Meshal Alshamari and head of Media and Communications at the Qatar Football Association, Ali al-Salat.
Leveraging the expertise of the sports and events industries in each of the three cities, participants gain practical, first-hand experience from top sports executives who have made their mark in the global sports industry.
One of this year’s graduates, Ahmed al-Khulaifi, recently had a shadowing role at Copa America 2019 in Brazil.
Josoor Institute has also been especially active this year working on activities designed to stimulate discussion and thought leadership within the sports and events industries.
The monthly panel sessions continue to bring together team members from the SC and international and local stakeholders such as the International Labour Organisation and the Ministry of Public Health.
Panel sessions on ‘Sports Diplomacy’, ‘A Green Building and Sustainability’ and ‘Global Impacts of Occupational Health and Safety’ offered expertise in niche areas.