By Tom Degun in Doha

Jacques_Rogge_in_Doha_at_stand_May_2_2011May 2 - The 9th World Conference on Sport and the Environment, which was attended by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge (pictured), concluded today here with the sports world renewing its commitment to the environment by framing a clear agenda for action.


"Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro and this weekend's Conference has made it clear for all to see just how far we have come since then," said Rogge.

"While we can be proud of our achievements, we have also learnt that there is no time for complacency.

"We owe it to future generations to continue to promote our green agenda and ensure environmental sustainability in sport and I think we have taken a big step towards that with the Doha Declaration."

The so-called Doha Declaration defined three focus areas in which to direct activities related to the economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development in sport.

They include showcasing the contribution of the sports movement to sustainable development at next year's United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, engaging young people and building and strengthening partnerships between the sports world and the UN, Governments, local entities, non-govermental organisations and others.

The Doha event was attended by leading experts in the world of sustainable development in sport.

The three days of meetings were hosted by the IOC, the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) while over 650 delegates made the event the biggest of its kind.

"I have been delighted with the quality of this conference and the outstanding contributions that have been made by the speakers and so many of the delegates," said Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Secretary General of the Qatar Olympic Committee.

"For us in Qatar the theme of 'Playing for a Greener Future' is real and meaningful.

"It reflects the concrete commitments we have made in Qatar's 2030 Vision to deliver practical steps towards environmental sustainability.

"For Qatar and the Qatar Olympic Committee, we have been honoured to share with the whole sports and Olympic Movement our 'QOC Code for Green Sport Venues.'

"Our aim is to collaborate with other NOCs (National Olympic Committees), in coordination with the IOC, to share our knowledge of creating environmentally friendly venue management."

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