The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and UN-Habitat have taken a significant step by including four cities from Jordan, Brazil, Egypt, and Ghana in the Sport for Sustainable Urban Development Initiative. This collaboration aims to promote sport and physical activity in urban areas, seeking to create a positive impact on the communities that inhabit them.
The selected cities will join Brisbane, the first city to participate in this initiative since December 2023. With initial funding allocated to improve sports and recreational infrastructure, these locations will receive support to implement accessible and inclusive programs that encourage active participation. Additionally, local organizations will be trained to develop initiatives aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby facilitating urban regeneration through sport and physical activity.
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As it is projected that 70% of the global population will live in cities by 2050, fostering sustainable development in these environments is essential. Through this collaboration, the IOC and UN-Habitat aim to empower urban communities while highlighting the crucial role that sport can play in sustainability and the well-being of citizens.
This announcement is part of a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2024, which establishes a five-year plan between both organizations. In addition to working with the five selected cities, the IOC and UN-Habitat are collaborating to create a technical resource package that will provide guidance on integrating sport into sustainable urban development. This package will be presented at the upcoming World Urban Forum in Cairo, scheduled for November 4-8.
The Sport for Sustainable Urban Development Initiative also strengthens the IOC’s Olympism365 strategy, which seeks to use sport as a means to promote sustainability through partnerships with urban leaders and officials. This initiative aligns with key UN-Habitat programs, such as “SDG Cities” and “Inclusive Communities, Prosperous Cities,” which aim to implement a systematic approach to achieving the SDGs in urban areas and reducing inequalities, thereby contributing to the creation of more equitable and prosperous communities.