From event to legacy: Mega-events as catalysts for sustainable urban development
“From Event to Legacy: Mega-Events as Catalysts for Sustainable Urban Development” is a joint white paper by UN-Habitat and Expo City Dubai examining how mega-events can drive inclusive, resilient, and sustainable urban transformation when legacy planning is embedded from the outset.
The publication synthesizes insights from the Knowledge Session held during the Asia Pacific Cities Summit & Mayors’ Forum 2025, bringing together international experts, urban practitioners, and policymakers. Through comparative analysis of global case studies, the paper identifies critical success factors and recurring challenges in mega-event planning and delivery.
The white paper introduces an integrated framework for legacy planning based on eight guiding principles, including community-centered planning, adaptive design, inclusive governance, climate-positive development, social equity, and evidence-based monitoring. It also provides practical recommendations for governments, event organizers, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector to ensure mega-events contribute to SDG localization, long-term urban resilience, and equitable development outcomes.
The publication positions mega-events not as temporary spectacles, but as strategic opportunities to accelerate sustainable urban development, strengthen governance systems, foster innovation, and create lasting value for cities and communities.
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