New Sustainability Standards for The World Games Aligning with OECD Guidelines
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The International World Games Association (IWGA) launches a Sustainability Strategy for The World Games, aligning with the OECD guidelines to enhance the environmental, economic, and social impact of the event. The strategy was announced on World Environment Day.
The International World Games Association (IWGA) launched its groundbreaking Sustainability Strategy for The World Games on 5 June, in celebration of World Environment Day. This initiative, first introduced in April 2024 and officially presented at the Annual General Meeting in Esslingen, Germany, on 1 May, marks a significant step in enhancing the environmental, economic, and social impacts of The World Games, aligning with IWGA’s core values of Excellence, Sustainability, and Inclusiveness.
The strategy meticulously follows the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines, ensuring a holistic approach to hosting international sports events. It is structured around sixteen key impact indicators derived from these guidelines, focusing on enhancing reporting transparency, stakeholder value, community engagement, and legacy building.
IWGA’s commitment extends to the upcoming World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, with a specific Sustainability Plan set to be released in August 2024. The association will also collaborate with future hosts, including Karlsruhe, Germany, and its International Member Federations, to promote sustainable practices and adherence to the new strategy.
By adopting and implementing these practices, the IWGA not only aims to elevate the quality and legacy of The World Games but also aspires to lead global sustainability efforts in the sports sector. This initiative aligns with broader global sustainability goals, reflecting a concerted effort to create a more sustainable world through sports.
How The World Games prepares itself for upcoming events?
As part of its forward-thinking vision, the IWGA looks to the Paris 2024 Olympics as a model for incorporating sustainability into large-scale sporting events. This includes minimising carbon footprints and investing in global environmental and social projects. Unlike the Olympics, The World Games do not require host cities to build new venues, further emphasising sustainability by utilising existing facilities.
With this comprehensive strategy, the IWGA reinforces its role as a leader in promoting sustainable practices within international sports, setting a new standard for future events and contributing to the global effort to protect and restore our planet.
The IWGA’s strategy is structured around 16 economic, environmental, and social impact indicators derived from OECD Sports Event Guidelines. These indicators emphasise the importance of measuring the impact of sports events, enhancing reporting and transparency, demonstrating value to stakeholders, engaging communities, and building lasting legacies. The IWGA has already begun collaborating with the Local Organising Committee of The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China, to implement this strategy. The specific Sustainability Plan for the 2025 Games will be released in August 2024.
About The World Games
The World Games, organised by the International World Games Association (IWGA), is an international multi-sport event featuring sports and disciplines not included in the Olympic Games. Held every four years, The World Games showcases a diverse array of sports, bringing together elite athletes from around the world to compete at the highest level. With a focus on innovation, inclusiveness, and excellence, The World Games provides a unique platform for sports that are growing in popularity and gaining recognition globally. The event emphasises sustainability by utilising existing venues and facilities, aligning with IWGA’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices in the world of sports.
About the International World Games Association (IWGA)
The International World Games Association (IWGA) is a global organisation dedicated to promoting sports and organising The World Games, an international multi-sport event featuring sports and disciplines not included in the Olympic Games. Founded in 1980, the IWGA strives to enhance the visibility and popularity of non-Olympic sports, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents. The IWGA’s commitment to sustainability, excellence, and inclusiveness is reflected in its innovative strategies and collaborative efforts with host cities and member federations worldwide.
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