Plenary 2: Leveraging global cultural, business and sports events for local development
Jul 9, 2025 | 3:45 PM - 5:15 PMPuerta de Oro - Auditorium
Jul 9, 2025 | 3:45 PM - 5:15 PM
Puerta de Oro - Auditorium
Description
When well-planned, major sports, business, and cultural events can generate both immediate and long-term benefits for local development. Beyond short-term economic gains from infrastructure investment, tourism growth, and contracts for local businesses, these events offer a platform to tackle broader development challenges. They can facilitate employment pathways for underrepresented groups and young people through tailored training, apprenticeships, and volunteering, enhancing long-term employability. Additionally, they can strengthen local SMEs, including circular, social, and solidarity economy enterprises, by improving procurement access and opening new markets.
To enhance competitiveness as major event hosts and boost tourism, cities need to align event planning with broader development strategies. This includes investing in quality infrastructure, efficient transport, and diverse accommodation to ensure seamless visitor experiences. Strengthening local cultural and hospitality sectors through targeted training and business support can further enhance the visitor economy. Additionally, cities need to prioritise sustainability by promoting responsible tourism practices and minimising negative externalities. Guided by the OECD Recommendation on Global Events and Local Development, this session will examine how cities can maximise the impact of major events to foster sustainable local growth.
