As a network, the Union brings together Mayors of Cities who share the responsibility of leading a city with the rare status of being or having been the host of the Olympic Games or of a portion of the Olympic Games. This status is rare, and it represents an opportunity.  

Hosting the Games is a challenge that requires political leadership, a clear vision, ambition, creativity and long-term dedication. The Union offers Mayors a platform to meet and connect and to share their experiences, achievements and questions. 

Being part of a network makes its Members stronger and provides an opportunity and a framework for making calls for action or commitments with peers at international level, for causes that go beyond sport and Olympism – such as health and well-being, or taking action for refugees –  for which the values of sport and Olympism can serve as a common language and a booster for action. 

2019 – Tokyo, Toshi Center – TAFISA-World Union of Olympic Cities Call for Action on Sport and Active Cities 

2020 – Lausanne, Olympic House – Mayors’ Meeting during the Lausanne 2020 Youth Olympic Games – Discussion on Cities’ responsibilities in ensuring physical activity and access to sport for their population as well as the role and place of Olympic Cities within the Olympic Movement 

2022 – Athens, City Hall – The Olympic Cities Health and Physical Activity Commitment  

2022 – Lausanne, Villa Mon Repos-IOC first Headquarters in Lausanne – Press release of the discussion on how Cities can aid in the integration of refugees through sport. 

The Union favours a multistakeholder approach from Olympic Cities at the political level to the operational level in various sectors, from sport to tourism, from health to urban planning, from economic development to education, etc. All Olympic sites, co-Host Cities, and legacy entities related to an edition of the Games are included within the multistakeholder approach and are invited to join the Union.

In collaboration with the IOC, the World Union of Olympic Cities is doing its utmost to bring together all relevant legacy entities on a single platform.