IOC Session celebrates the achievements of Olympic Agenda
By The International Olympic Committee – March 19, 2025
Members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), gathered for the 144th Session in Greece, celebrated the achievements of the Olympic Agenda today. A series of presentations highlighted the reforms implemented within the framework of the Olympic Agenda and their impact on the IOC and the entire Olympic world. Among other things, a 30-minute film was screened, showcasing the accomplishments of the reforms and including moving testimonies from individuals, figures, and organizations positively affected by them.
The reforms were formulated following a year of discussions and consultations with all stakeholders in the Olympic Movement, including external experts and the general public. During the process, more than 40,000 public submissions were received, from which approximately 1,200 ideas were developed. Fourteen working groups analyzed the discussions and proposals gathered from the Olympic world and society as a whole. After their final processing by the Executive Board, they were presented for approval at the 127th Session.
The implementation of the reforms began immediately after their approval, including the launch of a new Olympic Channel project. Additionally, the new “Invitation Phase” for hosting the 2024 Olympic Games was introduced, allowing cities to present plans that align with their long-term sporting, economic, social, and environmental needs. Some of the reforms were also incorporated into the selection process for the 2022 host city, in close collaboration with the candidate cities.
Olympic Agenda 2020+5, which serves as the continuation of Olympic Agenda 2020, outlined the direction of the IOC and the Olympic Movement through 2025. It includes 15 key recommendations based on five significant global trends in which sport and Olympic values play a crucial role.
IOC President Thomas Bach presented the reforms, stating:
“In Paris, we see the Olympic Agenda coming to life. The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are, in many ways, the pinnacle of our joint journey—one that began over a decade ago when we unanimously adopted the Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms.”
He further noted:
“We embarked on a journey of change, collaboration, and modernization. The Olympic Agenda was not just a reform plan for the IOC, but for the entire Olympic Movement. That is why it has always been, and will continue to be, a journey of unity in diversity—a journey of transformation and connection.”
He concluded by saying:
“Let us view the achievements of the Olympic Agenda through the lens of change and cooperation. Let us take pride in our collective success. We did this for the athletes. We did this for our beloved Olympic Movement. And we did this together.”
Key Reforms of the Olympic Agenda
Ten central themes summarizing the achievements of the reforms, including key facts and figures:
The Olympic Games – A New Era of Games
The Olympic Agenda revolutionized the host city selection process, the organization of the Games, and their delivery to a global audience wider than ever before.
Athletes at the Center
The IOC strengthened the role of athletes in decision-making processes, placing them at the heart of the Olympic Movement.
Solidarity
The value of solidarity within the Olympic Movement was significantly reinforced through these reforms.
The Olympic Refugee Team & Olympic Refuge Foundation
In 2015, the IOC established the Olympic Refugee Team, enabling athletes forced to flee their homes to compete on the world’s biggest stage alongside the 206 National Olympic Committees.
In 2017, the Olympic Refuge Foundation was launched to ensure that displaced youth have opportunities to thrive through safe sport.
Gender Equality
The IOC achieved significant progress in promoting gender equality—on the field, in leadership, and in various other domains.
Sustainability
The IOC embraced sport as a key tool for advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Relevance
In today’s divided world, the Olympic Games and the IOC remain more relevant than ever, uniting the globe through sporting competition and peace.
Digitization
The IOC pioneered digitization in the world of sports.
Integrity & Good Governance
As part of the reforms, the IOC fundamentally transformed its governance processes and strengthened the protection of clean athletes.
Economic & Financial Resilience
The IOC is a non-governmental, non-profit organization. 90% of its revenue is directly allocated to sports development worldwide.
The far-reaching reforms of Olympic Agenda 2020 and Olympic Agenda 2020+5 have brought profound change to the International Olympic Committee, the Olympic Games, and the Olympic Movement. These reforms were launched under the motto “Change or Be Changed” and were based on the most comprehensive consultation process ever conducted. The plan, initiated under the presidency of Thomas Bach, was unanimously approved by the 127th IOC Session in Monaco in December 2014.
To watch the video on the Olympic Agenda – click here.
