Utah, France and Italy Sign Agreement to Cooperate on Future Olympic Games

The three regions aim to share expertise and work together on sustainability, research, and long-term Olympic legacy.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:31pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Representatives from Utah, France, and Italy have signed a memorandum of agreement to collaborate on future Olympic and Paralympic Games. The partnership will focus on sharing expertise, working together on sustainability, research, and long-term legacy planning. It also includes a collaboration between the University of Utah and the University of Côte d'Azur in France to work on projects related to air quality, emissions, injury prevention, and environmental protection.

Why it matters

This historic level of cooperation among Olympic host regions is intended to make future Games more sustainable and leave a lasting positive impact on the host communities. It also strengthens international relationships and shows how regional governments can work together even when national politics may be complicated.

The details

The agreement brings together organizers from the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games, the 2030 French Alps Games, and Utah's 2034 Winter Olympics. Under the partnership, students and researchers will collaborate on projects to improve the sustainability and legacy of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

  • The agreement was signed on February 6, 2026.
  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place in Milan, Italy.
  • The 2030 French Alps Games are scheduled to take place.
  • Utah is bidding to host the 2034 Winter Olympics.

The players

Spencer Cox

The Governor of Utah.

University of Utah

A university in Utah that will collaborate with the University of Côte d'Azur in France on Olympic-related research projects.

University of Côte d'Azur

A university in France that will collaborate with the University of Utah on Olympic-related research projects.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The three of us really cooperating, not just on the games and the way the games will be played, but on the legacy and what will be left behind. And it's the first time in history that three regions of the world have worked together on Olympic Games and we think that's very important.”

— Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah (ksltv.com)

“We think it's good for relationships between Europe and the United States and, of course, between our regions as well.”

— Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah (ksltv.com)

What’s next

The partnership between Utah, France, and Italy will continue as they prepare to host their respective Olympic Games in the coming years, with a focus on implementing sustainable practices and leaving a lasting positive legacy in their host communities.

The takeaway

This unprecedented cooperation among Olympic host regions demonstrates a shared commitment to making future Games more sustainable and beneficial for the local communities. By working together on research, knowledge-sharing, and long-term planning, these regions are setting a new standard for how the Olympic movement can create a lasting positive impact.