Abdallah Jreij, from re.te planning, recently joined RSI Radio for a public discussion dedicated to the impacts of the Olympic Games and the future of large-scale sporting events.
The radio programme explored a central and timely question:
Is it still possible to love the Olympic Games in the face of today’s global environmental, social, and economic challenges?
Majestic mountain landscapes, pristine snow, passionate fans, and record-breaking performances are images traditionally associated with the Winter Olympics. Yet, behind this postcard-like imagery lies a massive organisational and territorial machine, often involving investments of several billion euros and profound transformations of host regions.
With just weeks remaining before the opening of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, the discussion focused on one of the most complex issues surrounding contemporary mega-events: environmental sustainability. The conversation addressed the Italian host territories of the 2026 Games, while also looking ahead to future scenarios, including the Swiss candidacy project for 2038.
Abdallah Jreij contributed to the debate from his perspective as a researcher and practitioner, drawing on his work on the sustainability of mega-events developed at Politecnico di Milano and within re.te planning. His intervention highlighted the need to critically assess long-term territorial impacts, governance models, and legacy strategies beyond the event itself.
The discussion also featured:
•Marcello Ierace, Journalist currently visiting the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic sites
•Simone Righenzi, Operational Manager of Switzerland38
The programme offered a valuable opportunity to reflect on how future Olympic Games can reconcile global visibility with environmental responsibility and territorial care.