Qatar burst onto the international sporting map at the end of last year as it pulled off a shock result to win the right to stage the FIFA 2022 World Cup and hosting the influential World Conference on Sport and the Environment, in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United Nations Environment Programme, illustrates the countries' growing statue on the top table of sport.

"It is a huge honour and a proud moment for the Qatar Olympic Committee to be co-hosting the 9th World Sport and Environment Conference," said Sheikh Saoud.

"The International Olympic Committee and United Nations Environment Programme have developed an influential conference over recent years which has stimulated real discussion and provided thought-leadership to the global sports sector.

"I have no doubt that this will be the case at this year's conference and we are delighted to welcome so many Olympic Family members to Qatar, including IOC President Jacques Rogge, for what we hope will be a stimulating and inspiring three days."

Qatar are set to use the event to show off their zero carbon cooling technology which was developed to counter the searing heat in the country and will be used during the World Cup and which will be used if Doha's bid to host the 2017 World Athletics Championships is successful.

"Sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial in shaping Qatar's own future," Sheikh Saoud said.

"As a nation we are proud of our role as world leaders in sustainable technology and we are already transferring this knowledge and experience into the sporting arena through the use of zero carbon, solar technology that will be used to cool the 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums and training sites.

"Doha's bid to host the IAAF 2017 World Athletics Championships will use similar zero carbon cooling technology in the Khalifa Stadium if we are successful in our bid.

"Importantly, we are committed to working with sporting and other organisations across the world to share this technology and help ensure sport can be played year-round no matter what the local climate."

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