Showcasing the power of sport at the World Urban Forum
25 October 2024 – Sport will have a prominent place at the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF) that will take place from 4 to 8 November in Cairo, Egypt. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will be involved in four key events that will demonstrate how sport can contribute to urban development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as build new partnerships and relations with key stakeholders in this field.
The sessions that will feature sport as a catalyst for sustainable urban development are:
1. High-level dialogue: “stronger together” – 6 November 2024 | 10:00 – 12:00 (EEST)
Explore how innovative and inclusive sport-based solutions empower local communities to address global challenges. Learn from successful partnerships that are driving sustainable urban progress.
2. Special session: the legacy of mega-events – 6 November 2024 | 16:00 – 18:00 (EEST)
Explore how large-scale urban events, like the Olympic Games and World Expositions, can create lasting positive impacts for host cities. Expect inspiring success stories from past hosts, including insights from Paris 2024, WUF11 in Katowice and Expo 2020 Dubai. City officials and event organisers share practical tools for ensuring these events benefit local communities.
3. Sport-driven urban development – 7 November 2024 | 13:00 – 14:30 (EEST)
Uncover real-world examples of integrating sport into urban growth strategies. Thought leaders from government, development banks and civil society discuss how cities can leverage sport to enhance economic, social and environmental outcomes. Learn about innovative financing options and collaboration opportunities with UN-Habitat and the IOC.
4. Olympic Games as catalysts for sustainable urban development – 8 November 2024 | 09:00 – 10:30 (EEST)
Brisbane City Council will lead a discussion on how the Olympic Games can accelerate sustainable development in host cities. Examine how the Games can deliver lasting benefits, with insights drawn from Barcelona, London and Paris. Expect to learn about integrating sustainability into event planning, enhancing partnerships and creating enduring community legacies.
People interested in following the discussion remotely can register here: [REGISTER FOR WUF12]. The main events will also be livestreamed on UN Web TV.
Harnessing the potential of sport to create lasting, positive change in cities around the world
The IOC’s participation in the World Urban Forum is anchored by the Sport for Sustainable Urban Development Initiative, which embodies the commitment of the IOC and UN-Habitat to leverage sport as a catalyst for sustainable urban growth. Five cities have already joined the initiative, which aims to allow some 25,000 people to access new opportunities to participate in safe, accessible, inclusive and social development-orientated sport.
The Sport for Sustainable Urban Development Initiative is part of the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy – which uses sport to promote sustainable development – and involves engagement with UN-Habitat’s extensive networks of city leaders and officials.
In July 2024, the IOC and UN-Habitat signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU). This collaboration focuses on using sport to drive progress in three key areas:
- Health: promoting active lifestyles and physical well-being in urban communities.
- Social inclusion: building more equitable, inclusive societies through the unifying power of sport.
- Urban regeneration: revitalising city spaces to be greener, safer and more sustainable.
About the World Urban Forum
The World Urban Forum is the premier global conference on sustainable urbanisation, established by the United Nations in 2001 to address the challenges of rapid urbanisation and its effects on cities, communities and the environment.
Sport at the World Urban Forum
Join global leaders in urban development at the World Urban Forum in Cairo, Egypt, from 4 to 8 November 2024 to explore how sport can serve as a catalyst for urban transformation.
