The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach is determined to transform the IOC and the Olympic movement into a much more transparent and accountable, modern and progressive organisation.
A huge task that requires immense reservoirs of fortitude, strategic focus and vision for the Olympic movement that must take into consideration a diverse stakeholder group.
As the leader of the Olympic movement, President Bach has the responsibility of charting the course and navigating the IOC and the Olympic movement through the tumultuous waters of the 21st century and the horizon of the 22nd century.
The sport has become a significant cultural phenomenon. The intense scrutiny organisations such as the IOC face creates an intense no margin for error environment. That it requires an ability at times to remain stoic.
As the architect of Agenda 2020, the strategic roadmap for the Olympic movement Bach operates and conducts his role and responsibility with a focused determination that leaves no doubt. He has committed everyone in the Olympic movement to implementing Agenda 2020.
Gender balance is one of the important commitments. Great strides have been made and effective action taken. National Olympic Committees (NOC) must follow the lead and not orient towards maintaining the status quo.
Many of the important changes that must be made aren't change for change stake - in the modern world, it is the right thing to do in the interest of the sustainable development of the Olympic movement.
It is in the above context that congratulations is extended to President Bach for the staging of the first ever "Olympism in Action" forum which was held last week. Through plenary sessions, interactive working zones, networking opportunities the forum facilitated frank and candid discussions and sharing of ideas.
Discussions addressed some of the most pressing and existential issues facing the Olympic movement.
Other objectives included a look at practical ways sport and the Olympic movement, in particular, can contribute to the UN sustainable development goals.
Content themes included:
How can the Olympic movement better protect clean athletes and the integrity of Sport?
Why should a city host the Games?
What will the future of sport look like?
How can sport be used as a tool to empower young people?
Participants at the end of the two-day forum were invited to attend the opening ceremony of the ground-breaking, first-ever street party style opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games. Ground-breaking indeed.