The new awards, launched through a landmark collaboration between UN Tourism and the FIA, aim to recognise events that successfully combine elite sport with sustainable development. Judging criteria spanned environmental, social and economic impact, alongside governance, innovation, scalability and long-term legacy—placing Secto Rally Finland firmly at the forefront of a rapidly evolving sector.

A Decade of Sustainable Progress

This recognition is the culmination of nearly a decade of structured sustainability work rather than a single initiative. The rally achieved the FIA’s highest three-star environmental accreditation in 2017 and is now working towards ISO 20121 certification, underlining a long-term commitment to sustainable event management.

Crucially, that commitment extends beyond frameworks and certifications. The event has embedded practical solutions across its operations, including renewable energy use, circular economy approaches and sustainable mobility initiatives. Together, these measures reflect a broader shift within motorsport—from reducing impact to actively shaping more sustainable event models.

Driving Innovation Through Collaboration

At the heart of this progress is Spark the Future, the rally’s sustainable mobility forum developed by AKK Sports and Secto Rally Finland, with support from the FIA and WRC Promoter. The forum has become a focal point for knowledge exchange, bringing together stakeholders to explore how innovation and environmental responsibility can be scaled across the sport.

Bernhard Hafenscher, Innovation & Sustainability Lead at WRC Promoter, emphasised the wider significance of the award:

“Secto Rally Finland has become a benchmark for how a WRC event can combine sporting excellence with long-term sustainability thinking. What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it reflects not just one event, but the strength of collaboration across the sport.”

The forum is set to return in 2026, aligning with the rally’s 75th anniversary and reinforcing its role as a platform for future-focused dialogue.

A Collective Effort

For organisers, the award is as much about partnerships as performance. Paula Paappanen, Chief Commercial Officer at AKK Sports Oy, highlighted the collective nature of the achievement:

“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.”

She also acknowledged the role of the City of Jyväskylä and Secto Automotive in launching the Spark the Future seminar in 2022—an initiative that has since become central to the event’s sustainability strategy.

Setting the Pace for Sustainable Motorsport

As motorsport continues to expand as a driver of global tourism, the importance of sustainability is becoming increasingly central to its future. FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem underlined this shift:

“Sustainability is not just a goal, it is our responsibility… Together, we are setting new benchmarks for sustainability and building a future where sport continues to unite people across borders.”

With its 75th anniversary approaching in 2026, Secto Rally Finland is not only celebrating its heritage but also helping define the future of the World Rally Championship—demonstrating how high-performance sport can deliver lasting environmental, social and economic impact.