Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games publish a pre-Games paper on sustainability and legacy

“Zoom-in and Zoom-out’: the Sustainability & Legacy Approach” outlines the current status of the Organising Committee’s sustainability management.

The Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games will pave the way for a more sustainable future in and through sport. Plans and objectives for this endeavour are now available in a pre-Games paper which underscores how sustainability has not only become a key concept in the planning of multi-sport events but has also been integrated into their operation. The paper sets the benchmark for the FISU World University Games. There has never been such an elaborate concept and it will set new standards for international university sport.

Sustainable development goals

Under the title ‘’Zoom-in and Zoom-out’: the Sustainability & Legacy Approach’, the pre-Games paper outlines the current status of the Organising Committee’s sustainability management. The questions addressed are complex: what measures are being taken at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games to ensure that the Games are as sustainable as possible? How will these measures contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals? How can a positive social impact be created and the values of sport – such as respect, fair play, cohesion, and commitment – be conveyed and strengthened?

According to Prof Dr Holger Preuss, the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games supervisor for Legacy & Sustainability, such concerns around environmental and social sustainability are playing an ever more important role alongside the traditional pursuit of economic goals. “The focus of our strategy for the FISU Games is on reducing environmental impact, strengthening the regional economy, and maximising social projects.”

The paper does not mark the end of the sustainability concept. Rather, it serves to transparently present the current status (early 2024) of the planning, and to encourage and invite participation.

“This pre-Games paper on Sustainability & Legacy is a milestone in our commitment and ambition to leave a positive impact on our environment and society through the Games”, says Niklas Börger, CEO of the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU Games gGmbH.

“It has been evident that the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 Organising Committee has put a major focus on sustainability and legacy since the conceptualisation of the FISU Games. It is great to see this now come to life in this comprehensive pre-Games paper, covering so many aspects of sustainability and legacy. We are seeing more of our event hosts integrate these important concepts into the FISU Games. We are confident that Rhine-Ruhr will host an exceptional event in 2025 leaving lasting positive impacts for generations to come”, concludes FISU President Leonz Eder.