In an effort to strengthen the partnership with the local communities and increase community participation and interest in 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™ activities and programmes, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with 27 communities in Qatar.

Representatives from India, Philippines, Nepal, China, Russia and Bangladesh, among multiple other nationalities, gathered in an event attended by the SC Competition Venues Executive Director, Ghanim Al Kuwari, and SC Community Engagement Manager, Khalid Al Juamily.

Al Juamily said: "Each of you here tonight has an important role to play. It doesn't matter where you're from, how old you are or what you do for a living. If you live in Qatar, you are part of our journey. We need the support of every community and every individual to achieve our goals. Even though we have more than 500 employees from more than 50 countries, we cannot do it all ourselves."

"The World Cup is not just about 32 nations, 64 games and a month-long festival of football. It's about leaving a lasting legacy which will benefit generations across Qatar and the Middle East," he added.

As progress continues across six proposed host venues in Qatar, the SC will work with community leaders and influencers to share exclusive content with them, provide leadership training and skill development from sport experts from around the world, deliver sport, art and cultural outreach programmes, cultivate new networks and build social and human legacy initiatives that will benefit the country long after the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™.

Next steps following this agreement will include regular meetings with community representatives to provide ongoing updates, site visits to stadium precincts in order for communities to meet the teams delivering the projects and commitment to attend national day events. Specific projects on arts, sports and education will also be discussed and presented to involve each of the communities on the road to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™.