On July 16, 2024, the World Leisure Organization (WLO) hosted a significant side event during the United Nations High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The webinar, titled “Leisure as a Catalyst: Empowering Communities and Alleviating Poverty,” brought together experts to discuss the vital role of leisure in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
The event, held under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations (ECOSOC), featured a distinguished panel including:
- Rasul Mowatt (North Carolina State University, United States) representing WLO
- Jackie Oncescu (University of New Brunswick, Canada) from the Canadian Association of Leisure Studies
- Erwei Dong (New York University and The University of The Ryukyus, United States) from the China-International Leisure Research Association
- Bailey Ashton Adie (University of Oulu, Finland) from the Leisure Studies Association
- Lauren Nicole Duffy (Clemson University, United States) from The Academy of Leisure Sciences
Moderated by Joanne Schroeder, Chair of WLO and affiliated with Vancouver Island University, the discussion highlighted how leisure can be a powerful tool for community empowerment and poverty alleviation. The panelists shared insights and strategies on integrating leisure into global development policies, emphasizing its importance in fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.
The webinar attracted a global audience, reflecting the increasing recognition of leisure as a key component in sustainable development efforts. For those who couldn’t attend, a recording of the session will be available soon. Stay tuned for more insights and follow-up resources from this impactful event.
