Securing the Legacy: Debriefing from Paris 2024 for Future Major Sporting Events
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) Global Programme on Security of Major Sporting Events and Promotion of Sport and its Values as a Tool to Prevent Violent Extremism (Global Sports Programme), in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations in New York, hosted a one-day event to share lessons learned and best practices from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The debriefing focused on the role of innovative technologies, human rights safeguards, and gender inclusion in securing major sporting events. It took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Wednesday, 5 March 2025, 10:00 am EST.
Bringing together Member States, International Olympic Committee, international, continental and national sport federations, civil society, sport associations and private sector, the event contributed to ongoing efforts to enhance security for future Olympic Games and other major sporting events worldwide.
The event also coincides with the 5th anniversary of the Global Sports Programme, providing an opportunity to highlight its achievements in strengthening the security of major sporting events and promoting sport as a force for peace, resilience, and the prevention of terrorism.
Background
Major sporting events have the power to captivate and unite large audiences, creating vibrant connections between fans, the sports industry, and host cities. When effectively managed and secured, these events can enhance local sports participation, foster community development, promote gender equality, empower youth, and drive urban development. Such outcomes contribute to a lasting socio-economic legacy for host countries. Given the large crowds they attract, these events also present significant security challenges, particularly in ensuring the safety of participants and spectators alike.
In recognition of these challenges, the 8th Review of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy urges Member States to enhance the security and protection of vulnerable targets, including sporting events. This call is reinforced by Security Council resolutions 2341 (2017), 2396 (2017), and 2617 (2021), as well as the Council of Europe¡¯s Saint-Denis Convention, which focuses on the safety and security of sporting events and is accessible to all UN Member States.
The Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics exemplified the potential of major sporting events to not only unite diverse populations but also to showcase the host nation's capability in effectively managing complex security challenges. The success of these Games hinged on the implementation of cutting-edge practices in security, border control, and international police cooperation, all underpinned by a strong commitment to human rights and gender inclusion.
Useful Information
- Watch broadcast on UN Web TV:
- Remarks by Mr. Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism