Monaco Athletics Federation Obtains ISO 20121:2024 Certification for Sustainable Event Management

The Monaco Athletics Federation (FMA) has reached a significant milestone in promoting sustainability in sport. The organisation has obtained ISO 20121:2024 international certification, issued by Bureau Veritas, for its responsible event management system covering the Meeting Herculis and Monaco Run, two major fixtures on the Principality of Monaco’s sporting calendar.

The certification recognises an organisational transformation process launched in the winter of 2023. Since then, the Federation’s teams have worked to analyse, plan and progressively improve their procedures. The aim is to integrate sustainable development principles into every stage of event organisation, taking environmental, social and economic considerations into account.

The project was developed with contributions from several Monegasque consulting firms, with support from the Government of Monaco’s Energy Transition Mission and, in particular, guidance from the consulting firm ARIMA.

ISO 20121:2024 Certification: An International Standard for Sustainable Events

ISO 20121:2024 is the international standard for sustainability management systems applied to events. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), it provides a framework for organisations seeking to plan and deliver events more responsibly through structured, measurable and verifiable processes.

The 2024 revision strengthens the focus on sustainability governance, stakeholder engagement and responsibility throughout the supply chain.

The certification awarded to the FMA by Bureau Veritas confirms that the Federation’s management system complies with the requirements of the standard within the specific scope of organising the Meeting Herculis and Monaco Run. It therefore goes beyond recognising individual environmental initiatives, validating a comprehensive management approach based on objectives, monitoring and continuous improvement.

Environment, Inclusion and Economic Responsibility: The Three Pillars of Sustainability

The Monaco Athletics Federation’s approach is based on a comprehensive vision of sustainability, built around three closely interconnected dimensions.

Environmental sustainability. Managing the environmental impact of events involves areas such as transport and mobility, energy consumption, waste generation and treatment, resource use and greenhouse gas emissions. The aim is to identify the main challenges and implement appropriate measures to reduce their impact.

Social responsibility. Responsible event management also takes into account working conditions, health and safety, accessibility and inclusion. Particular importance is placed on relationships with volunteers, suppliers, athletes, spectators, partners and local communities.

Economic sustainability. Responsible management also requires sound financial planning, sustainable procurement and long-term relationships with local businesses. Cooperation with stakeholders helps strengthen organisational quality and the value these events generate for the Principality.

These three dimensions are supported by a management system that includes setting objectives, identifying risks and opportunities, monitoring performance indicators and regularly assessing results. This structured approach is a key element of the certification, making it a tool for ongoing improvement.

Meeting Herculis and Monaco Run at the Heart of the FMA’s Strategy

The ISO 20121:2024 certification covers two historic events that play a central role in the Federation’s activities.

The Meeting Herculis, a leading fixture on the international athletics circuit, attracts world-class athletes and sports enthusiasts, enhancing Monaco’s visibility on the global sporting stage.

The Monaco Run, an event dedicated to road running, brings together participants, volunteers, partners and spectators, reinforcing the role of running in the Principality’s sporting life.

Organising events of this scale requires close coordination among numerous stakeholders and careful resource planning. The certification recognises the FMA’s efforts to embed responsible practices into its organisational processes, with the aim of reducing the events’ impact while maintaining a high-quality experience, sporting excellence and international appeal.

Monaco Strengthens Its Commitment to Sustainable Sport

The achievement of the Monaco Athletics Federation forms part of a broader movement towards more sustainable sporting competitions.

International athletics bodies, including European Athletics and World Athletics, are also encouraging the adoption of more sustainable and responsible event management practices.

In this context, the FMA’s certification contributes to the Principality of Monaco’s wider efforts in energy transition and sustainable development. It demonstrates how major sporting events can combine organisational excellence with environmental and social responsibility.

For the Federation, sustainability is not separate from sporting performance; rather, it is an essential consideration to be integrated into the planning and management of its activities.

Certification Marks the Beginning of a New Phase of Continuous Improvement

Achieving ISO 20121:2024 certification marks a significant milestone in the journey that began in 2023, but it is not an endpoint. Maintaining a responsible management system requires an ongoing commitment, including regular reviews, assessment of objectives and the continuous adaptation of practices in light of results.

The Monaco Athletics Federation intends to continue its work, further engage its partners and strengthen the integration of sustainability criteria into the organisation of the Meeting Herculis and Monaco Run.

With the certification awarded by Bureau Veritas, the FMA reinforces its ambition to deliver events distinguished not only by the quality of their sporting competitions, but also by the responsibility and sustainability of their organisation.

This commitment confirms the Federation’s determination to make sport a driver of local development and sustainable progress, in line with the Principality of Monaco’s international ambitions.