Dakar 2026 aims to set new standard for green sporting events

Dakar 2026 is paving the way for a plastic-free sporting future. The upcoming Youth Olympic Games, in collaboration with Senegal’s Ministry of Environment and Ecological Transition and backed by the United Nations Development Programme, are committed to making sustainability a cornerstone of the event. The initiative centers on eliminating single-use plastics, enhancing waste collection systems at venues, and fostering environmental awareness among athletes, spectators, and local communities. The project also seeks to rally institutions, businesses, and civil society toward building a lasting ecological legacy.

Setting a benchmark for sustainable sports

« This initiative will position Dakar 2026 as a global leader in sustainable sporting events while accelerating Senegal’s shift toward a circular plastic economy », declared the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee. « We’re not just launching an environmental project; we’re launching an ambitious vision. The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar will prove that even the largest international events can drive meaningful progress toward responsible and sustainable practices », emphasized Fatou Leigh, the UNDP’s interim Resident Representative in Senegal.

Senegal’s green vision for the Youth Olympics

« The Youth Olympic Games present an unparalleled opportunity », noted Aliou Gory Diouf, Senegal’s Minister of Environment and Ecological Transition. « We aim to showcase Senegal’s ability to host Africa’s first-ever Olympic event while leaving behind a legacy as impactful as the sporting achievements themselves. Our goal extends beyond hosting—we want these responsible practices to become ingrained in our culture ».