Sports Diplomacy and the Paris Olympics

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The June 26 talk presents a unique opportunity to discuss n Sports Diplomacy’ in the context of Global Sports, Climate Change + Security at the Summer Olympics in Paris: The Olympics offer host governments unique risks + opportunities to pursue national interests through the power + prestige of ‘Sports Diplomacy’, both on the world stage and behind the scenes. For the July 26-August 11, 2024 Olympics in Paris ’the most’ defines what is already the world’s top tourism destination.

When taking on these Games for the 3rd time after those in 1900 and 1924 (a commitment taken in Sept. 2017, early in Macron’s presidency), France knew that the Games could drive national ambitions including more equitable housing (the Olympic Village has been built in Paris’ poorest district) + their climate change agenda (for the laurel of ‘most green’ sustainable eco-friendly Games, with high profile commitments to clean up the Seine after a century, in time for the world watching aquatic competitions. Already, thanks to the Olympics, Paris has achieved 1400 km of cycle lanes ).

Moreover, the Paris Games will be the most watched: about 15 million spectators in person by avid sports fans, or online by the entire nation (for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, over 90 % of Canadians tuned in for the Opening Ceremonies), and live-streamed to billions of global viewers. It will also be closely watched not only by economic and trade competitor governments, but also by security experts expecting unprecedented disruption attempts (levels of high tech deployed will be breakthrough). The high-stakes Paris Olympics will also be the focus of human rights activists seeking global megaphones.

SPEAKERS

H.E. Ambassador Michel Miraillet, Ambassador of France to Canada

Lois Betteridge, Canadian athlete heading to Paris 2024 Olympics

This event will be moderated by David G. Adam, fmr. Ambassador of Sport, promoting Canada hosting major events such as the Olympic / PanAm Games

REGISTRATION

This event will be held in-person, and it is open to everyone!

To register, please purchase a ticket. Tickets cost $20 for CIC members, $30 for non-members, and $15 for students. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email.

Host or Publisher CIC National Capital Branch