STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• The collaboration will enable the two bodies to leverage their platforms to begin conversations about the contributions of Tokyo 2020 to SDG implementation and the power of the Olympics to promote peace and development worldwide.
• The Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Sustainability Plan outlines a number of actions to contribute to the SDGs, including utilizing existing venues, using 100% renewable electricity, reusing or recycling 99% of items and goods, and using public transportation.

14 November 2018: The UN and the organizers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games will work to raise awareness of the linkages between the SDGs, sport and sporting events around the world, as well as focusing on tangible contributions to specific SDGs. The collaboration will highlight the contribution of sport in reaching the SDGs and the power of the Olympic Games to promote peace and development.

In a letter of intent, Alison Smale, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, said the UN and the 2020 Olympics organizers will focus on innovative and responsible ways of managing the Olympics, as well as on the accomplishments of the athletes. Tokyo 2020 Chief Executive Toshiro Muto said the Organizing Committee has emphasized the power of sustainability since its foundation, and will further the effort through the UN agreement.

In June 2018 the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games released a Sustainability Plan. It focuses on the following areas: climate change; resource management; natural environment and biodiversity; consideration of human rights, labor and fair business practices; and involvement, cooperation and communication. The Organizing Committee aims to achieve progress in these areas through actions such as: utilizing existing venues; using 100% renewable electricity to move towards zero carbon; reusing or recycling 99% of items and goods, in line with its zero wasting goal; and using public transportation and fuel cell vehicles.