Sport will have a prominent place at the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF) that will take place from 4th to 8th 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” will 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: ”legacy of mega-events” will 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 fr
om 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 will 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.
4. Olympic Games as catalysts for sustainable urban development. 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.
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 initi
ative, 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.
Source: Emirates News Agency