Last week, Terre des Hommes attended to the first kick-off discussion with key stakeholders on sustainability in the context of the Euro 2024 German bid. This initiative led by the German Football Association (DFB) follows UEFA decision to add specific human rights requirements in the host city contract.
Participants discussed a variety of different topics like human rights, fairplay, health, environment or diversity. Terre des Hommes raised the issue of child rights and safeguarding measures, as well as the need for child participation around the event. More broadly, an emphasis was put on the importance to comply with the newly added human rights criteria of the bid.
This first dialogue on sustainability highlights the importance of stakeholder involvement in the preparation of a Mega Sporting Event like the 2024 European Championships, especially as human rights respect is now key for a successful bid.
These steps at national level follow in May 2017 the inclusion by UEFA of a new human rights requirement to be observed and integrated by the bidders interested in hosting the EURO 2024.