Host Cities: Education, Culture and Regeneration

With preparations underway for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, what lessons can London learn from the experiences of previous host cities?

On 30 March, over 200 delegates including key stakeholders working to promote and deliver the London 2012 legacy and leading experts from other host cities around the world took part in an international conference, Host Cities: Education, Culture and Regeneration, organised at Excel in Docklands by the University of East London.

Sports Minister Richard Caborn, Jude Kelly OBE, Chair of Culture for London 2012, British Paralympics Chief Phil Lane, Dimitrios Avramopoulos, Greek Health Minister, former Mayor of Athens and founding president of the World Union of Olympic Cities, Professor Richard Cashman of the Australian Olympic Studies Centre and Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales were among the key speakers at the event, which brought together leading figures in policy and planning, regeneration, further and higher education, the arts, sport and culture.

Richard Caborn said: “The Olympics is a fantastic opportunity to bring regeneration to East London and renewed economic balance to our capital.”

The successful London 2012 bid includes an ambitious legacy programme. The challenge is to learn from the experiences of previous host cities, co-ordinate efforts to create the best possible event, and ensure the Games contribute to London's social, cultural and economic regeneration.

A selection of presentations is now available on our conference resources page.

UEL HOMESEARCH