The Qatar University (QU) has signed a co-operation agreement with the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA), which stipulates in one of its clauses that the QU will join the “SIGA University Network (SUN)” that comprises some of the world’s leading universities and research institutes.
The SIGA University Network aims to ensure that sport integrity becomes a key component of the university curriculum, including, for example, via the development of integrity-related executive education courses.
The SIGA has also announced that the QU will host the SUN’s inaugural meeting on Thursday.
This event will work towards solidifying the SUN Research Agenda 2020/2021 by exploring new collaborative initiatives to add to current the SIGA Thought Leadership Projects.
Commenting on this, QU president Dr Hassan Rashid al-Derham said: “The Qatar University and the SIGA share the common belief that sports is a valuable component of society, and we are looking forward to working with them to exchange knowledge, and promote positive sport values, including sport ethics, integrity, and transparency.”
Through this agreement, he said, both parties will add value to the work that the Qatar University has put in the field of sports, and focus on providing sports opportunities and encouragement for youth.
This is in line with the vision of the country towards building an active, healthy sports culture for the whole community, he added.
For his part, SIGA board of directors vice-chairman Mohamed bin Hanzab, who is also the chairman of the International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS), expressed his pride that the Qatar University is the first academic partner of the SIGA in the region.
He expressed delight that a reputable university has joined the SIGA University Network in a way that adds value to its research work in the field of sport integrity.
SIGA chief executive Dr Emanuel Medeiros welcomed the Qatar University into the fold, adding that the QU is a world-renowned hub of productivity, engagement, and academic excellence.