DOHA, Qatar - 08 February 2015

Some of the most senior figures from the sports and events industries in Qatar and across the region today participated in the first day of a professional development workshop titled Leadership: Lessons for Sport. The two-day workshop has been organised by Josoor Institute and LeadersTM, a global event, publishing and consultancy business.

A mix of Secretary Generals, CEOs, Executive Directors and other senior level executives from organisations including the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Olympic Committee, the Qatar Football Association and the Qatar Stars League joined representatives from Sports Clubs, Sports Authorities and Football Associations from Iran, Jordan and Saudi Arabia in attending the event at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

Josoor Institute have partnered with Leaders for delivering the workshop, given its enviable reputation for organising premium gatherings of world leaders to inspire learning across the business and performance side of sport. This is the first time that Leaders has organised a summit for senior executives in the Middle East.

During the two days, participants will benefit from sessions that focus on sharing best practice in organisational leadership and management as well as valuable leadership lessons based on the experience of influential global figures from across government, the sports and events industries and its related fields. Speakers from some of the world's best-known sports, business and academic organisations including The Football Association, Abu Issa Holding, Salford University's Centre for Sports, Atlanta MLS Franchise, the United States Olympic Committee and the Norwegian Centre of Football Excellence are joining experts from Leaders Consulting for the workshop.

Hassan Al-Thawadi, the Secretary General for the Supreme Committee, the founding partner of Josoor Institute, delivered the opening note at the workshop and said, "We have an amazing opportunity to host the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East. It is an opportunity to create a positive change. A step towards bringing this change was the establishment of Josoor Institute." He further elaborated, "To have a renowned sports organisation such as Leaders host their first event in the region, showcases both Josoor Institute's rising stature and its commitment towards developing capabilities from grassroots to senior leadership."

The workshop has been designed to support senior executives in enhancing their strategic oversight and overall operational management to ensure peak performance in their organisations. Topics will also focus on nurturing and developing innovation, building high performing teams and managing talent effectively.

"Working with our partners such as Leaders is the ideal way to continue the momentum that we established this past year. Our workshop will help develop the knowledge and skills that the region needs as well as equip existing and future leaders with world-class education and training," highlighted Mushtaq Al-Waeli, Executive Director (acting) of Josoor Institute.

The professional development workshop will also provide unique opportunities for senior executives to share their knowledge, ideas and their experiences with one another in relation to the development of personal leadership and management styles.

Commenting on the workshop, Clive Reeves, Managing Director from Leaders Consulting said: "Working with Josoor Institute provided the ideal introduction for our first major event in the Middle East. With this high calibre audience, we had the ideal blend of skills, experience and expertise to really explore in depth how high performance principles from sport and beyond can support the leadership, strategy, culture, and talent management of successful organisations. We're delighted to be working with Josoor Institute, the centre of sporting excellence for the region, and look forward in continuing collaboration and partnership in the future."

The workshop builds on Josoor Institute's progress to date in catalysing the growth of a sustainable sports and events industry in Qatar and across the region. In 2014, Josoor Institute made great progress in equipping more than 1,100 junior and mid-level sports and events industries professionals - the leaders of tomorrow - with practical skills and techniques on topics such as the running of major events, marketing and PR, and Venue and Stadium Management.

The workshop takes place during the same week that Qatar celebrates its National Sports Day, designed to encourage sport and activities for everyone to enjoy regardless of their age, ability or fitness level. Promoting healthy living through sport and other physical exercise supports the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030's Human Development pillar.

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Media contact:
Avantika Nair
Email: a.nair@josoorinstitute.qa
Mobile: +974 6662 2359

Kholoud Elderwy
Email: Kholoud.Elderwy@bluerubicon.com
Mobile: +974 7796 0374

About the Josoor Institute:
The Josoor Institute was inspired and developed by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (formerly known as Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee). It addresses the Supreme Committee's strategic goal to 'build high quality talent and establish a centre of excellence' and is designed to deliver world-class education and training to the people of Qatar, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The Josoor Institute will train many of the people who will play an integral role in Qatar's hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup™. These individuals will then have the knowledge to deliver large-scale sporting and non-sporting events across the region long after 2022. The Josoor Institute aims to be a catalyst for transforming the sports and events industries in the region and set new standards globally.

To fulfil its mission, the Josoor Institute has partnered with a broad array of industry and academic organisations:

·         Founding Partners: Aspire Academy, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Qatar Football Association, Qatar University, Silatech, Qatar Tourism Authority

·         Institutional Partners: Deloitte, Georgetown University, IMG, the International Centre for Sport Security, Qatar Stars League

·         Programme & Course Partners: Beyond Sport, Leeds Metropolitan University, Rushmans, Wasserman

·         Associate Partner: College of North Atlantic Qatar

·         Media Partners: Al Jazeera, Getty Images, SportBusiness International

For more information on the Josoor Institute visit www.josoorinstitute.qa/ or follow facebook.com/JosoorInstitute, twitter.com/JosoorInstitute, instagram.com/josoorinstitute#

© Press Release 2015