The fourth annual Doha Goals Forum, a leading platform for social and economic progress through sport, is set to open this weekend Los Angeles, California - the first time the event is being held outside Qatar.

More than 100 speakers, including world-class athletes, policy makers, global chief executive officers and leading non-governmental organisations, will join 280 students from 23 top sport management programmes in the US and Canada to create a roadmap for social improvement through sports and launch cross-border initiatives, said a statement.

Sheikh Faisal bin Mubarak Al Thani, executive director of Doha Goals, said: "Doha Goals is more than just a gathering of inspiring individuals; it is a platform highlighting the huge impact sport can have on the lives of less privileged, and those suffering hardship in their lives."

Since its launch in 2012, the forum has convened more than 5,000 participants from 124 countries to discuss how sport can be used to solve some of the world's greatest social and economic challenges.

The forum will feature world-class champions including Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz, Travis Pastrana, Nadia Comaneci, Carl Lewis and Meryl Davis.

The three-day summit will feature a series of panel discussions, key notes, and insightful one-on-one conversations with sporting superstars.

Among the relevant and thought-provoking topics to be discussed are ‘The Changing Business of Sports,’ discussing the new business models in the sports industry; ‘The Power of Diversity in Sports,’ highlighting the major responsibility of sports to create a more inclusive and diverse society; and ‘Equal Opportunity in Sports,’ stressing the importance of equal sporting opportunities for girls and boys.

It will showcase its commitment to developing the leaders of tomorrow through its renowned Student Ambassador Program.

Through a partnership with Special Olympics, the forum will promote creating a global community of inclusion. Throughout the event, students from both the Student Ambassador Program and Special Olympics' social impact summit, GenUin, will actively participate in taskforces.

Richard Attias, executive producer, said: “The Student Ambassador Program provides students with a strong learning experience and a great networking opportunity to share their ideas and change and shape society through sports. Many of our Student Ambassadors have created initiatives in their communities to extend the reach of the Doha Goals mission into the next generation.

"We have established a community of thousands of people and organisations to work together and form new partnerships. We look forward to continuing this momentum through the fourth annual Doha Goals Forum."

Among the 23 participating universities this year are UCLA, University of Texas, University of Michigan, and Georgetown University.

In addition, Ohio University and University of Central Florida, ranked as the top two graduate sport management programmes in the world by SportsBusiness International, will play a role.

These students will have the opportunity to speak to sporting champions first-hand, to learn about the importance of mobilizing young people for social good, and building partnerships. - TradeArabia News Service