Date Announced for the 2024 Global Sport Agora

Following the recent conclusion of the 2023 Global Sport Agora (GSA), produced by the World Academy of Sport (WAoS) and hosted by the City of London Corporation, the date of 22nd October 2024 has been announced for the next edition which will be returning to the City’s historic Guildhall.

Speaking about the announcement, Chris Solly, Chief Executive of WAoS, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our work with City of London Corporation and returning to Guildhall next October, at the heart of London’s financial/business sector.

“At the 2024 GSA, we look forward to bringing members of the sports community and commercial/private sectors together once again to continue discussion and dialogue.

“Before then however, we will be working with both communities to develop the GSA Focus Areas that will be announced in 2024.

“These constitute a purposeful framework of current issues aimed at supporting the sports industry and its partnership with the private sector, driving value and sustainability, while maintaining a focus on the athletes and societal betterment.

“We expect these areas to continue serve as powerful catalysts for transformative change.”

Having recently launched its sporting strategy, City of London Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this important event again in London – our third time - at Guildhall in October next year. This is an important forum for dialogue between senior business and sport leaders.

“It is an opportunity to discuss shared issues that matter to the industry and its timing is particularly important, after next year’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.

“The UK sports sector is integral to our economic success and global reach – and our research shows major UK sport events could deliver up to ￡4 billion of soft power, trade, and investment benefits in the next decade.

“Sport is a cornerstone of our flagship Destination City programme, enhancing and elevating our attractiveness as a UK and global visitor destination.”

The outputs of the 2022 and 2023 editions of the GSA can be found here:

2022: https://waos.egnyte.com/dl/KmXhm3jhyn

2023: https://waos.egnyte.com/dl/PVWEQHQkiq

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Notes for Editors:

About the Global Sport Agora (GSA)

Held on 7th September 2023 at Guildhall in London, the GSA, a produced by WAoS and hosted by City of London Corporation, provided a forum to connect sports governing bodies and their stakeholders with global private enterprise through dialogue, debate and exchanging ideas. Speakers at the 2023 GSA, supported by the European Broadcasting Union as International Media Partner, included Keith Bottomley, Deputy Policy Chairman, City of London Corporation; Deputy Edward Lord OBE, Lead Member for Sport, City of London Corporation; Sir Philip Craven MBE, Chair, World Academy of Sport International Advisory Board (IAB) and Former President of the International Paralympic Committee; Helene Raynsford, Paralympian and IAB Board Member; Guy Martin, Head of Sponsorships & Partnerships, Visa Europe; Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, VisitScotland; Dr Kuniko Tanioka, President, Shigakkan University; Josyln Hoyte-Smith OLY; Shelley Rudman OLY; and Mike Miller, Chief Executive of the World Olympians Association. Former Lord Mayor of London, Sir William Russell, provided a recap of the 2022 GSA at the event’s dinner on 6th September and Patrick Nally, Chief Executive, West Nally/Founder and President, International Federation of Poker, provided an after-dinner speech.

About WAoS

Thought-leader, the World Academy of Sport (WAoS), the Education Partner for World Sport, delivers learning programmes for sports and event participants - athletes, managers, administrators, officials and coaches - through a series of tailored educational programmes. For further information visit: https://istudy.sport/ and https://worldacademy.sport

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk