IOC’s Midway Report on Olympic Agenda 2020+5 Milestone Achievements

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is celebrating a series of accomplishments as it reaches the midpoint of Olympic Agenda 2020+5. The recently published Midway Report Highlights, released on a Monday, commemorate the halfway achievement of 15 recommendations spanning five crucial areas: solidarity, digitalization, sustainable development, credibility, and economic and financial resilience. These areas represent what the IOC describes as “five influential contemporary trends.”

According to the report, the Olympic and Paralympic Games scheduled for Paris in 2024 are poised to become the “Games of a New Era.” These Games are the first to be meticulously planned and executed in accordance with the reforms outlined in Olympic Agenda 2020 and Olympic Agenda 2020+5 from start to finish.

A groundbreaking feature of Paris 2024 is that it will be the first Olympics to feature an equal distribution of male and female athletes, with 50 percent of each. Additionally, it will be a more urban-centric Games, with competitions taking place at iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, and the opening ceremony set against the backdrop of the River Seine. Fans and spectators will enjoy increased opportunities for participation.

Also Read: Top 10 cricket comebacks in history

In the digital sphere, the IOC has witnessed a substantial surge in engagement since consolidating its digital properties and social media accounts. Notably, it introduced events like the Olympic Qualifiers season Olympic Virtual Series and Olympic Esports Series, culminating in the successful debut of the first-ever Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June.

Sustainability is a core focus as well. The report reveals that as of 2023, 266 global sports organizations have endorsed the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, a joint initiative by the UN and the IOC.

Furthermore, the report emphasizes the financial resilience of the IOC, which operates as a non-governmental, not-for-profit association. Despite the global economic crisis, the IOC’s finances have proven robust.

IOC President Thomas Bach expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Olympic Agenda 2020+5 serves as our roadmap to prepare for this evolving world. We can take pride in the progress made across all 15 recommendations since its adoption in March 2021. We eagerly anticipate the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 as the Games of a New Era, guided by Olympic Agenda 2020 and Olympic Agenda 2020+5 from inception to completion.”