Tomorrow’s Generation: Inspiring youth, sustainability commitments, embracing technology

My manifesto for President of the International Olympic Committee has 5 core pillars of what I would do if I was elected. In this post I go through my Tomorrow’s Generation pillar and why it is so fundamental.

The Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are symbols of hope and aspiration, especially for young people. Sport is probably the most potent social worker we have in all our communities, particularly hard pressed communities. It is also, if utilised properly, probably one of the deftest diplomats on the international scene.

Without tomorrow’s generation there is no future for the Olympic Games. But connecting with youth is a challenge. We must embrace, involve and inspire them to secure the future of the Movement.

There is a wealth of data to confirm that younger generations are predominantly concerned with the same issues – climate change, diversity, inclusion, discrimination, mental health, peace and security. Our development programmes must speak to those who will be future competitors, coaches, fans and spectators about the issues that move them.

I will ensure the Games inspire and capture the imagination of young people worldwide using all the tools, content and assets we have available, wherever they live, so they engage with the Games because they see them as relevant, inspiring, and transformative.

I will embed ambitious environmental goals into every aspect of the Games, setting new standards for sustainability and green innovation in sport. I will embrace AI to modernise fan engagement, talent identificationand sport delivery.

I will tirelessly promote and reinforce the idea that good sports policies are also good education, health, social and nation building policies with measurable returns. And I will engage with global leaders to ensure access to sport is a fundamental right of every child, making it a habit for life.