Comparative Analysis of Sustainability-Related Documents for Mega-Events: Case of Tokyo Olympics and Expo Dubai

Sustainability in mega-events has garnered increasing attention due to the interplay between environmental, social, and economic factors. However, analyses of the evolving of sustainability reporting in mega-events, particularly in identifying key areas of focus, persistent gaps, and the influence of global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are lacking. Herein, we present a systematic review of sustainability-related documents from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and EXPO 2020 Dubai, structured according to the Global Reporting Initiative framework, incorporating the Sustainable Development Goals. Text mining and correspondence analysis revealed a noticeable shift in the attention toward sustainability before and after the events. The focus shifted from socioeconomic issues to health and ethical concerns, primarily driven by the pandemic. Although academic documents reflect these concerns, official documents exhibit modest changes. Furthermore, underrepresented sustainability indicators were identified, highlighting the scope for further research and adopting a comprehensive approach to sustainability in mega-events.