Signature of a collaboration agreement between the International Olympic Committee and the World Union of Olympic Cities

Lausanne – Switzerland, June 23, 2016 – The World Union of Olympic Cities and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today which acknowledges the role and the contribution of the World Union of Olympic Cities in supporting Olympic Cities maintain and develop a positive Olympic legacy. 

Under the establishment of this cooperation, both organisations aim at ensuring that the spirit of the Olympic Games and the Youth Olympic Games remains alive in the Olympic Cities once the events have concluded.

The MoU is a direct result of Olympic Agenda 2020 that called for closer collaboration between the World Union of Olympic Cities and the IOC in regards to sustainability and legacy.

With regards to this collaboration, the IOC acknowledges the role of the Union and its contribution particularly in the following:

• Operating and developing the network of Olympic Cities across the world
• Collecting and promoting best practices to perpetuate the Olympic Games heritage
• Ensuring that past and future host cities become role models by leveraging sport to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (in particular #11 – Sustainable cities and communities as well as #3 – Good Health and Well-being)

“Today’s achievement is a great success for the World Union of Olympic Cities” said Mr. Daniel Brélaz, Mayor of Lausanne and President of the World Union of Olympic Cities. “In a largely urbanised world, cities are the places where positive change can take place and where peoples’ lives can be effectively improved. Such an agreement will for sure support and strengthen our initiatives for Olympic Cities to promote and develop the Olympic values. “

IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The World Union of Olympic Cities is a valuable support in helping Olympic Games cities ensure a continuous and long-term positive legacy in the host cities and we look forward to our two organisations working closely together to achieve this. The World Union of Olympic Cities’ initiatives contribute to the Olympic Movement’s objectives in making cities a better place through sport”

The World Union of Olympic Cities is the only association which brings together former and future Olympic Cities. Currently, 36 cities are members of the Union. 

For further information, please contact:

World Union of Olympic Cities

Media Relations

Email: media@olympiccities.org

Phone: +41 (0)21 315 24 49