Sport at the World Urban Forum
Join the IOC and UN-Habitat in shaping sustainable urban futures through sport
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.
Be part of the conversation and register now to join us – in person or online – in reshaping how cities are using sport as a driving force for sustainable development.
Sport at WUF12: Showcasing the power of sport in urban development
At WUF12, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and UN-Habitat will join forces to shine a spotlight on the role of sport in shaping urban futures. The IOC will demonstrate how sport can contribute to urban development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and build new partnerships and relations with key stakeholders in this field.
Sports events at WUF12
WUF12 will feature four key events that underscore sport's role in sustainable urban development:
November 6, 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.
November 6, 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.
November 7, 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.
November 8, 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.
Register here by 30 October to attend WUF12 in person. Can’t be in Cairo? Register via the link above and download the WUF12 app to follow the sessions live. The main events will also be livestreamed on UN Web TV.
Sport for Sustainable Urban Development Initiative
The IOC’s participation in WUF12 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. This initiative operates through two primary streams designed to amplify the impact of sport on urban development:
- Local implementation: This involves direct engagement with cities to build capacity, develop urban sports infrastructure and support inclusive community programmes that provide greater access to sport, fostering healthier and more active urban communities.
- Global knowledge exchange: This stream focuses on facilitating policy development, providing training for municipal authorities and mobilising resources to integrate sport into urban planning strategies. By sharing ideas and best practices globally, this initiative empowers cities to harness sport as a tool for sustainable growth.
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.
Together, these efforts aim to harness the potential of sport to create lasting, positive change in cities around the world.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of these impactful discussions at WUF12. Register now to secure your spot.
Contact us
For enquiries about the IOC’s role at WUF12, please contact olympism365@olympic.org.