What is the new approach to electing Olympic hosts?
Over a period of many years, starting with the adoption of Olympic Agenda 2020 in 2014, the IOC has reformed its approach to electing Olympic hosts. The focus of today’s approach is sustainability and legacy – achieving maximum benefits for communities living in host regions before, during and after the Games. In line with the Olympic Host Contract, from 2030 all Olympic Games must commit to tackling climate change.
The IOC’s philosophy is that each edition of the Olympic Games should reflect the unique character and needs of its host region(s). The IOC works closely with potential hosts to help them to design a vision and Games plan that best fit their long term social, sporting, environmental and economic development plans. Potential hosts are encouraged as far as possible to use existing or temporary venues, even if these are located outside the main hosting region. There is no longer a fixed bid cycle for Olympic host elections, and cities and regions interested in hosting can reach out to the IOC at any time to open a conversation, without making any commitments and using minimal resources.