The Host City of Bern sent a strong signal for sustainability. With our sustainability charter, developed in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, we committed ourselves to concrete measures that will have a positive impact on the environment, society and the economy.
The Sustainability Charter was based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supported the federal government's Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 and is based on the Sustainable Development Framework Strategy, the Sustainable Procurement Model and the City of Bern's checklist for sustainable events. It also took into account the recommendations of the Swiss Association for Sustainable Events (SVNE).
The focus was on several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), inparticular SDGs 5, 12, 13 and 17.
We promoted cohesion and close cooperation among the eight host cities and with local stakeholders. We also set up an awareness team (SDG 17, SDG 5) to serve as alocal point of contact for anyone who felt unsafe or needed a place to retreat.
The design of barrier-free, generation- and diversity-friendly public spaces was at the heart of our efforts. Our goal was to ensure safe and inclusive access to public spaces for everyone, especially women, children and people with disabilities.
Sustainable use of resources was a core aspect of our strategy. We used reusable tableware, promoted the reuse of materials and optimised our infrastructure through the responsible use of resources, for example by using ecological greenkeeping on all lawns in the city of Bern
To reduce our ecological footprint, we focused on promoting the use of national and regional public transport and on using renewable energies for electricity, heating and cooling.
We supported sustainable tourism and focused on local products in order to strengthen value creation in the region and minimise environmental impact.
We promoted healthy, regional food and worked to make it easily accessible to everyone. At the same time, we stepped up efforts to prevent harmful alcohol consumption and provided free drinking water from fountains.
We are committed to a diverse, inclusive and non-discriminatory society. A particular focus was on promoting women in football, especially by increasing the number of female officials, coaches and referees. We also created a family-friendly infrastructure in the Fan Zone.
With these and other measures, we wanted to make our contribution to a sustainable and liveable future – for Bern, for Switzerland and for future generations.
In addition to free public transport for all visitors to the matches at the Wankdorf Stadium, we provided a balanced, local culinary offering and reusable concepts in the Fan Zone.
We promoted dialogue and understanding between different cultures and generations. Everyone was welcome here – no matter where they came from or what their background was.
We were committed to ensuring that everyone could take part in this event. This included barrier-free access to all venues and special offers for people with disabilities. We made sure that no one was excluded and that everyone could celebrate together.