How should world sport and journalists react to Saudi Arabia’s engagement in world sport?
With Stanis Elsborg, senior analyst at Play the Game, and Lina Alhathloul, Head of Monitoring and Advocacy at ALQST for Human Rights. Moderator is Jeppe Laursen Brock, journalist from Politiken.
As journalists and media professionals, understanding the complexities of Saudi Arabia’s expanding influence in global sports is more critical than ever. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion moderated by Jeppe Laursen Brock, featuring insights from Lina Alhathloul and Stanis Elsborg, as we explore how journalism can navigate and respond to these developments.
Lina Alhathloul, a Saudi-born human rights advocate and head of monitoring and advocacy at ALQST for Human Rights, an independent NGO dedicated to defending and advancing human rights in Saudi Arabia. She is the sister of renowned activist Loujain Alhathloul, who is known for her pivotal role in advocating for women's rights in Saudi Arabia. Lina’s expertise and activism, including her co-authorship of the book “Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers,” provide a powerful lens through which to examine Saudi Arabia’s controversial sports investments.
Stanis Elsborg, Head of Play the Game, has spent over a decade exploring how authoritarian regimes leverage sports to further their political agendas. His latest work offers an extensive analysis of Saudi Arabia’s sports strategy and the key players behind it. Recognized with the Gerlev Award in 2022 for his innovative and critical approach to sports culture, Stanis continues to challenge the established sports-political order through his critical insights.
Jeppe Laursen Brock, an award-winning investigative journalist from Politiken, will moderate the session. Known for his in-depth reporting on the darker sides of sports, including doping scandals and Football Leaks, Jeppe brings a critical lens to the discussion.
Discussion topics will include:
- The extent of Saudi Arabia's recent foray into the sports world.
- The implications of massive sports investments by Saudi Arabia and other autocratic regimes: is sport compromising its core social and cultural values?
- The critical role of journalism in connecting broader human rights issues to Saudi Arabia’s sports strategy.
- How should sports and journalism navigate the growing involvement of Middle Eastern countries in global sports?
- Are human rights concerns overshadowing other significant issues or potential positives related to Saudi Arabia’s sports investments?
- Does the journalistic community possess adequate understanding of the intersection between human rights, soft power, and sports?
Join us for an in-depth exploration of these pivotal issues that are reshaping the landscape of world sport and journalism.