SDG 11: Sustainable Cities & Communities | SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Institutions: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports | Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
The OECD’s “Legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games” report takes stock of how one of the world’s largest sporting events is reshaping Paris well beyond the closing ceremony. It finds that the Games served as a catalyst for investment in urban regeneration, including the renewal of Seine-Saint-Denis, one of the city’s most underserved areas, where housing, green spaces, and transport links were upgraded. The Games also accelerated climate commitments, with renewable-powered venues, sustainable construction methods, and a strong focus on reusing or downsizing facilities to avoid the “white elephant” problem seen in past Olympics.
The report highlights inclusive participation as a hallmark of Paris 2024 -from creating barrier-free infrastructure for people with disabilities to broadening access for women, youth, and local communities in sports and cultural programmes. At the same time, it flags long-term challenges: financing the upkeep of venues, ensuring equitable access to newly built housing, and managing environmental costs linked to large-scale construction. By documenting both achievements and risks, OECD positions Paris 2024 as a case study in how mega-events can leave lasting social, economic, and environmental legacies.
For India and other rapidly urbanising nations, the Paris 2024 experience demonstrates that mega-events can be used as platforms for urban transformation if legacy planning is built in from the start. Aligning such events with city master plans, climate strategies, and community needs is crucial to ensuring that the benefits extend well beyond the Games.
Follow the full report here: OECD - The Legacy of Paris 2024 Olympic & Paralympic Games