Showcasing the power of sport at the World Urban Forum

Sport will have a prominent place at the 12^th 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.

3. Sport-driven urban development - 7 November 2024 | 13:00 - 14:30 (EEST)

Hear from leaders from government, development banks, and civil society on how sport enhances economic, social, and environmental outcomes, with insights into innovative financing.

4. Olympic Games as catalysts for sustainable urban development - 8 November 2024 | 09:00 - 10:30 (EEST)

Join Brisbane City Council to discuss how the Olympic Games can accelerate sustainable development, with lessons from Barcelona, London, and Paris.

People interested in following the discussion remotely can register here: [REGISTER FOR WUF12]. The main events will also be livestreamed on UN Web TV.

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.