IOC and C40 to partner on climate transition

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and C40 Cities today committed to partner on climate transition by working for sustainable Olympic Games. This unique global partnership was announced by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Chair of the IOC Sustainability and Legacy Commission, alongside Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris and C40 Chair, at the first edition of the Transition Forum.

C40 and the IOC plan to work with interested cities, candidate cities and host cities of the Olympic Games to help them achieve their sustainability objectives, which will further contribute to their regions’ broader climate initiatives.

The IOC’s Sustainability Strategy, which is one of the pillars of the IOC’s strategic roadmap, Olympic Agenda 2020, concentrates on five focus areas, one of which is climate.

"Given that the next four editions of the Olympic Games will be held in significant cities that are part of the C40 network, this collaboration was a natural and fantastic opportunity," said HSH Prince Albert II. "Our goal is to make the Olympic Games best fit the long-term needs and objectives of the host cities. That includes incorporating sustainability in all aspects of planning for and delivering the Olympic Games. By signing this MOU, we will be able to better assist current and future host cities of the Olympic Games in achieving their climate change goals by utilising the expertise and experience of the C40, and for both parties to showcase related initiatives and results."

The host cities for the next three Olympic Games – Tokyo (in 2020), Paris (in 2024) and Los Angeles (in 2028) – are members of the C40 Steering Committee. The host of the next Olympic Winter Games, Beijing (in 2022), is also a key member of the C40 network, which groups together 96 cities committed to leading the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future.

"Hosting the Olympic Games is a unique privilege for any city, and provides an amazing opportunity to accelerate the climate and air quality initiatives that mayors need to implement for the future of their citizens," said Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris and Chair of C40. "This partnership between the IOC and C40, two organisations with a long experience of showcasing cities, will ensure the Olympic Games and climate transition go hand in hand in securing a sustainable future for everyone."

"The Olympic and Paralympic Games are one of the world’s largest sports events. Sport has the power to change the world," said Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo. "Tokyo, as the host city of the Olympic Games 2020, will play the role responsibly. We will work with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to demonstrate to the world that Tokyo works integrally on the environmental, social and economic aspects of 21st-century sustainable development, contributing to the achievement of the United Nations 2030 Agenda."

"Los Angeles is where the world comes to compete, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games are an opportunity to showcase our city’s sustainable values," said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. "Climate change knows no boundaries, and only through global cooperation can we overcome this global challenge. Working together, the IOC and C40 can use the Olympic moment to help our planet heal and our people grow."

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