The Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics: 
Advancing health, sustainability, equality, and growth

The ancient Greeks understood the importance of physical fitness, encapsulated in the maxim Νοῦς ὑγιὴς ἐν σώματι ὑγιεῖ (a healthy mind in a healthy body). This tradition of valuing health and wellbeing lives on today. The modern Games offer a unique opportunity to inspire physical activity and improve public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular physical activity can prevent non-communicable diseases and improve mental health. However, as the Allianz researchers point out, physical activity levels remain alarmingly low, with 23.7% of adults in the U.S. and 45% in the EU27 not engaging in regular exercise.

Paris 2024 has the potential to reverse these trends. Inspired by Pierre de Coubertin’s Olympic creed, "The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight," the Games have the potential to spark a global movement toward better health. The initiative to incorporate daily 30-minute exercise periods in French primary schools aims to instill healthy habits in 4.2 million pupils. Taking inspiration from the Olympics and Paralympics could potentially prevent nearly 500 million new cases of non-communicable diseases by 2030, saving global health systems around EUR 25.7 billion annually.

In ancient Greece, the Games were a male-only affair. However, the modern Games have become a powerful platform for promoting gender equality. Research indicates that sports can significantly boost women’s self-reliance, perseverance, and teamwork skills—attributes that translate into higher academic achievements and career success. A staggering 94% of women in C-suite positions have a background in sports, underscoring the profound impact of athletic participation on leadership development.

Paris 2024 continues this legacy, striving for gender equality in governance models and promoting women’s leadership. The emphasis on equal media representation and economic opportunities for women in sports underscores the transformative power of the Olympics and Paralympics in driving social change.

Paris 2024 is setting new benchmarks in sustainability, aiming to cut the Games’ carbon footprint by more than a half—to about 1.6 million tons of CO2—compared to the approximately 3.5 million tons of CO2 emitted during the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games. This ambitious goal is supported by the use of 95% of the existing and temporary infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and eco-friendly solutions like the underground water-cooling system. Post-Games, the Athletes’ Village will be repurposed into a low-carbon residential and commercial neighborhood, showcasing a model for sustainable urban development.

The innovative approach of rotating the Winter Games among a select few cities, as climate change limits suitable locations, further highlights the evolving strategies to host more environmentally conscious events.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games have always been at the forefront of technological advancements. From the introduction of automatic timing devices in 1896 to the use of computer technology in 1964, the Games have continuously evolved. Paris 2024 will be no exception, utilizing generative AI (GenAI) and emerging technologies to enhance the experience for both the athletes and the public.

Using “digital twinning” technology, organizers can design and optimize venues in the digital world. AI-powered judging systems in gymnastics will provide fairer and more accurate assessments, while advanced surveillance systems will ensure the safety of all participants and attendees. Furthermore, the integration of AI in talent scouting could democratize access to sports, providing equal opportunities for athletes from developing nations.

Paris 2024 is expected to boost French GDP by EUR 10 billion, with tourism alone contributing EUR 1.8 billion. The influx of tourists—projected to reach a record 95.2 million in 2024—will significantly benefit the hospitality and transportation sectors. Additionally, the Games will generate EUR 8.3 billion through infrastructure and organizational spending, with substantial investments in public and private projects.

Interestingly, the financial impact extends beyond the immediate economic boost. Hosting the Games often serves as a catalyst for trade liberalization and long-term economic growth. The event also offers local SMEs a platform to win lucrative contracts, injecting vitality into the regional economy. For instance, at least EUR 2 billion worth of contracts are ‘promised’ to the 25,000 SMEs who are poised to participate, highlighting the broad economic reach of the Games.

The ancient Greeks built grand stadiums that still stand today as testament to their engineering prowess. Similarly, the infrastructural legacy of Paris 2024 will be profound. The development of new metro lines and the transformation of the Athletes’ Village into a vibrant community will enhance the city’s livability and address housing shortages. The Games will also stimulate improvements in transportation and other critical infrastructure, benefiting Parisians long after the Olympic flame is extinguished.

The investment in infrastructure, including EUR 4.4 billion in general and specific projects and an additional estimated EUR 3 billion for security, underscores the comprehensive planning and economic boost driven by the Games. These enhancements are expected to elevate Paris's global standing and provide lasting benefits for its residents.

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games promise to be a remarkable event, not just for the feats of athleticism but for the lasting societal and economic benefits they will bring. From promoting health and gender equality to driving sustainability and technological innovation, the Games are a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. Dive into the full report here.