The legacy of mega events

Large-scale urban events and conferences like the World Urban Forum, the Olympic Games and World Expositions can be much more than just grand spectacles. They have the power to spark lasting urban transformation. When planned thoughtfully and inclusively, these events can create a legacy that extends well beyond the final applause. However, without proper planning, these events can leave behind enormous public debt, societal discomfiture, underutilised infrastructure and other negative legacies.

How can cities ensure that the investments made in these events benefit not only the event itself but also the communities and livelihoods that are integral to their success?

This Special Session will explore the potential of large-scale events, focusing on how host cities can create enduring positive impacts—a true legacy. By delving into recent success stories, such as the World Urban Forum 11 in Katowice, which placed accessibility at the forefront, and highlighting achievements from recent Olympic Games, namely Paris 2024, and World Expos, such as Expo 2020 Dubai, this session will immerse the audience in discussions on how cities can leverage mega events as catalysts for sustainable and inclusive urban development.

This Special Session will bring together city officials, event organizers and global experts to share their firsthand experiences with large-scale events and how they have embedded long-term benefits into the fabric of their cities. Through interactive presentations and discussions with representatives from current and past WUF hosts, the International Olympic Committee, the Bureau International des Expositions, and others, participants will walk away with actionable insights and a deeper understanding of how to turn a significant event into a legacy that transforms communities, enhances socioeconomic infrastructure and improves the lives of those who need it most. 

Session highlights 

• Local insights and issues are elevated to the international arena to discuss mega events and their legacies.
• In-depth conversations and hard talk about catalysing positive legacies and mitigating negative risks of large-scale events with event organisers themselves.
• Inspiring stories of positive change from experts and practitioners who have been closely involved with the organization of mega events.
• Insights into tools and frameworks to help drive a legacy for large-scale events.

Guiding questions

• What examples are there of mega events with inclusive and thoughtful planning and what were the elements of planning that made a difference?
• How can mega events balance different interests and expectations without losing sight of local needs and input? What successful examples are there of local needs and inputs being integrated into mega event planning and execution?
• What are the risks of mega events that do not leave a positive legacy? How can these risks be mitigated?
• How can we share best practices around mega event planning that to make them inclusive and sustainable?

Key messages

• Large-scale events can go beyond their conference and venue settings and act as catalysers for change with positive legacies.  

• Conferences, expos, large events can evolve and fully embrace sustainable and inclusive approaches that bring the best out of local communities and ignite positive change.  

• With thoughtful and insightful planning, mega events can have a positive and enduring legacy for their host city and community.