The World Rally Championship, Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and Automóvel Club de Portugal are set to co-host the second-ever Beyond Rally Forum and Sustainable Innovation Series event, ‘Driving Sustainable Development through Rallying’.

The event will be held in Portugal ahead of the WRC Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2024.

Beyond Rally serves as WRC´s platform for sustainability, with the forums gathering thought leaders to showcase and discuss rallying´s role in global sustainability. FIA Sustainable Innovation Series events focus on the ways that sport can help drive sustainable transformation across transport, communities and cities worldwide. The first Sustainable Innovation event was held in Tokyo, ahead of Formula E’s inaugural Tokyo ePrix.

‘Driving Sustainable Development through Rallying’ will host a range of engaging sessions, including a Fireside Chat with WRC MD Jona Siebel and FIA Director of Sustainability and D&I Sara Mariani, a panel on biodiversity stewardship, and a deep-dive conversation on the importance of leaving a positive social impact through rally.

The WRC’s all-new Sustainability Roadbook will also be launched at the event. The Roadbook sets out a clear approach for achieving the FIA’s Environmental Strategy goals, with a particular focus on biodiversity and sport, and efforts to find the next generation of female talent.

A full speaker line up will be confirmed over the coming weeks.

Sara Mariani, Director of Sustainability and D&I at the FIA, said: “The FIA has long championed sustainable solutions across mobility and motor sport – but we know that there is still a way to go. To drive change, we need to continue to encourage sector-wide transformation through conversation and collaboration with our partners, stakeholders and businesses around the world. I’m looking forward to this event as an opportunity to connect with the Rallying community and drive this kind of change and engagement.”

Jona Siebel, Managing Director of WRC Promoter, said: “WRC has always been committed to protecting the environment and communities we operate in – whether that’s through 100% sustainable fuels, local partnerships or the wider scope of our Beyond Rally initiatives. We are delighted to take the next step in this journey by hosting this event in partnership with the FIA and the Automóvel Club de Portugal.”

Automóvel Club de Portugal President Carlos Barbosa said, “ACP has long been committed to climate action and provides extensive guidance and information around the electric and vehicle ecosystems. As a club, we are proud to support the Sustainable Innovation Series and push for even greater change across the sporting and mobility ecosystems.”

The event will be recorded and made available by request. In-person registrations are available by invite only.