Secto Rally Finland, the Finnish round of the FIA World Rally Championship, has won the Most Sustainable Sport Event category at the prestigious UN Tourism & FIA Awards for Excellence in Sustainable Sports Tourism.
The awards are organised by UN Tourism (the United Nations World Tourism Organization) in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). They recognise projects and events that successfully integrate sport and tourism with sustainable development. Evaluation criteria include environmental, social and economic impact, innovation, governance, scalability, and long-term legacy.
Secto Rally Finland was recognised for its comprehensive and long-term sustainability work, where environmental responsibility, community engagement and measurable impact are embedded into all aspects of event delivery.
According to Paula Paappanen, Chief Commercial Officer of AKK Sports Oy, the organiser of Secto Rally Finland, the recognition belongs to a wide group of contributors:
“We would like to thank the staff of AKK Sports and Secto Rally Finland, as well as all our partners, local communities and stakeholders who work with us to develop sustainable solutions. Special thanks go to Secto Automotive and to everyone who played a key role in launching the Spark the Future sustainability seminar in 2022.”
Secto Rally Finland has been among the pioneers in developing sustainable practices for major event production. The event achieved the FIA’s highest three-star environmental accreditation already in 2017 and is currently undergoing certification under the international ISO 20121 standard for sustainable event management.
Its sustainability work covers both environmental and societal impact. Key focus areas include reducing the event’s carbon footprint through increased use of renewable energy, circular economy solutions and pilot projects for sustainable mobility. In addition, the event generates significant economic and employment impact in the region and hosts several seminars focusing on sustainability and future solutions.
The event also serves as a platform for international cooperation. For example, the visit of the President of Paraguay to Jyväskylä in 2025 has opened up new opportunities for collaboration between companies and stakeholders.
Held in Jyväskylä, Secto Rally Finland is one of the most iconic and respected events in the FIA World Rally Championship calendar. In 2026, the rally celebrates its 75th anniversary.
The award was presented at a ceremony held in Madrid.
FIA President and UN Ambassador for Sustainable Tourism in Sport, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, commented: “As we increase participation and welcome new fans worldwide, motorsport has become one of the fastest growing sectors in global tourism. These awards celebrate our sport’s positive impact as a driving force of innovation, sustainable development, and economic growth.
Sustainability is not just a goal, it is our responsibility, and I am proud that Secto Rally Finland has been recognised by UN Tourism for its leadership. Together, we are setting new benchmarks for sustainability and building a future where sport continues to unite people across borders.”
FIA Deputy President for Sport Malcolm Wilson OBE said: “Secto Rally Finland stands as a powerful example of how sustainability and motor sport can coexist. The event has consistently shown leadership, not only through the sporting challenge for which it is renowned, but also through its commitment to innovation and progress within our sport.
In 2025, Secto Rally Finland placed sustainability at the heart of its programme, hosting its third Spark the Future conference and shining a spotlight on the future of sustainable mobility and new energy solutions. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the entire organising team on this well-deserved recognition.”
More information: https://www.untourism.int/1st-un-tourism-fia-awards-for-excellence-in-sustainable-sports-tourism
