IOU President Highlights Olympics as Unifying Force Amidst Global Divisions

On the eve of the Paris Olympics, IOC president Thomas Bach emphasized the unifying power of the Games in a world facing divisive trends. Addressing French and Olympic officials, Bach discussed global disruptions and the importance of upholding Olympic values. Future hosting plans and a new 12-year deal with Saudi Arabia were also highlighted.

On the eve of the Paris Olympics, IOC president Thomas Bach described the Games on Monday as a uniting force amid divisive and “deeply disturbing” trends globally.

“We are witnessing a new world order in the making,” Bach told an audience including French president Emmanuel Macron, Paris Games organizers, and Olympic sports federation officials.

Bach discussed threats like “narrow self-interests trumping the rule of law” to the multilateralism shaping global affairs for nearly 80 years.

“Historic disruptions are upending the international relations system in place since World War II,” Bach said. “The trends are clear: economic decoupling, beggar-thy-neighbor attitudes, narrow self-interests overruling the rule of law, Global South vs. Global North tensions.”

Bach suggested the Olympics embody global cooperation, saying, “In this new world order, 'cooperation' or 'compromise' are sadly considered disparaging terms.”

He emphasized athletes symbolize shared hopes for a better future, displaying peaceful coexistence in the Olympic Village. Earlier, Bach met athletes from the Israeli and Palestinian teams at Olympic residences in Saint-Denis, north of central Paris.

“In these dark times, our Olympic values matter more than ever,” Bach said. “Only by living our Olympic values — solidarity, equality, human dignity for all — can we unite the world in peace.”

Bach's speech came during a ceremonial opening hosted by LVMH, a French sponsor of the Paris organizers, marking the start of the International Olympic Committee's annual meeting running through Wednesday near the Arc de Triomphe.

On Tuesday, IOC members are expected to confirm a 12-year deal with Saudi Arabia to host Olympic Esports Games in video gaming, aimed at better engaging youth. Bach noted this collaboration supports Saudi sport popularization, particularly among girls and women.

Also on Tuesday, future Summer Games hosts Los Angeles and Brisbane will update the IOC on plans for the 2028 and 2032 editions, respectively. On Wednesday, Salt Lake City is expected to be confirmed as the 2034 Winter Games host, returning the event to Utah after 32 years. The 2030 edition likely heads to the French Alps project centered on Nice, pending resolution of national government uncertainty following recent parliamentary snap elections.