France Sport Expertise and SKEMA Publika conference held from 2 pm to 7 pm on 15 October 2024 at the Aérogare des Invalides (Paris)
Sport is a multifaceted reality and the subject of great expectations on the part of citizens, especially young people. It has become a key economic sector, a major social fact, a political and geopolitical tool, and a source of inspiration and values throughout the world.
The aim of the conference held on 15 October was to gather a variety of views from speakers with different backgrounds, on the following topics: what is the future of sport? What national and international rules? What practices? What models? What lessons can we learn from the Paris 2024 Games and the growing number of major international sporting events?
This conference was organised by SKEMA Publika and France Sport Expertise, with the support of GL Events, Keneo and Sodexo Live!, and was based on their respective work.
Key ideas and recommendations
- Sport is an instrument of development and economic diplomacy, particularly through the innovations it introduces. It also opens up opportunities for action by French players.
- Investment in French sport is nothing new. In the United States, investment in clubs is perfectly managed. Its development in France can contribute to the emergence and consolidation of national economic players.
- Whether in “traditional” sport or esports, the digitalisation of sport is a reality and it is giving rise to new technologies. In order to contribute to the development of French economic players, athletes and jobs, the chain of data production, processing and use must be harnessed. The public authorities have an essential role to play in this respect.
- “Today, sports clubs are mission-driven companies”: the federations can also contribute to the emergence of profiles with diverse origins and commitments to different causes. Communication is a battlefield to draw attention to Para athletes and the need for inclusion.
- Volunteering and the role of NGOs, both in France and abroad, are important tools for learning sports and for general educational development.
- The recent OPG demonstrated the benefits of urban design that promotes active living, social inclusion and sport to improve health and combat sedentary lifestyles. The Social Charter and environmental impact of the Paris 2024 Games are examples for the future. They could inspire regulations for future editions, as well as environmental and social indicators for other sporting events.
- National sport models are very different, particularly in terms of the architecture of professional sport/federations/amateurs vs. closed leagues/spectator sport/risk minimisation. However, exporting a model does not necessarily lead to standardisation.
- The humanist Olympic ideal (excellence, respect, togetherness, acceptance of differences) is more important than ever in a divided world. The Paris 2024 Games undoubtedly marked a turning point in terms of sustainability and responsibility. Their legacy must be the acceleration of sustainable development.
- Public policies are essential to ensure sustainable governance; they must be focused and stable over the long term. Despite the undeniable success of the Paris 2024 Games, the current situation has shortcomings that need to be addressed urgently: “If a legacy law is not introduced within six months, there will be no ‘legacy’.”
- International governance: voluntary standards should be promoted alongside positive law. UNESCO, the UN agency responsible for sport, plays an active role in issuing initiatives and recommendations to governments, particularly with regard to promoting physical activity and sport.
A summary of the key ideas and possible ways forward as well as detailed proceedings is available.
