Sport must adapt to a rapidly changing world while staying true to the values that unite the Olympic Movement, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry told leaders from across the International Sports Federations (IFs) at the SportAccord Forum in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 5 October. Coventry called for collective action to deliver the Olympic Movement’s new Fit for the Future strategy and for the sports community to work together to shape the future of sport.
3 min readPublished on 05 October 2026
Sport Accord Forum
© Sport Accord
Key facts
IOC President Kirsty Coventry called on IFs and Olympic Movement stakeholders to work together to shape the future of sport.
Coventry emphasised the critical role of IFs in implementing the Olympic Movement’s Fit for the Future strategy.
The IOC President also stressed the importance of safeguarding the autonomy of sport.
Welcoming SportAccord Forum’s theme, “When the playbook changes: leading sport in a new reality”, the IOC President underscored the need for sport to be prepared to evolve in response to a rapidly changing world.
We know that we cannot stand still. If we stand still, we simply become irrelevant. But as we evolve and adapt into this new reality, we have to be very clear about what it is we stand for. And what we need to protect. This balance is really at the heart of Fit for the Future, our strategic direction for our Movement, and what the future looks like for all of us.
Kirsty Coventry
Turn direction into action, together
Coventry thanked the IFs and Olympic Movement stakeholders for helping shape the Fit for the Future strategy adopted by the IOC Session in June 2026. Describing the vision behind the strategy, she said:
“Now it's about focusing on our core and on what matters most to all of us. Supporting athletes throughout their journey. Protecting what makes the Olympic Games so very unique and special. Strengthening trust and clarity across our Movement when it comes to roles. Increasing the positive impact of sport in people's lives.”
Coventry stressed that implementation will now be the priority, with IFs playing a central role in turning the shared vision into tangible outcomes.
And now we have an important decision to take. Turning that direction into action. And this is not something that we, the IOC, can do alone. We want all of you to help us do this. We want all of you to walk this journey right next to us, foot by foot. All of you at the International Federations are a part of a much greater ecosystem, where you play a very crucial and essential role. And without you, we will not be able to succeed.
Kirsty Coventry
A new approach to the Olympic programme
Coventry also outlined how Fit for the Future is guiding the future evolution of the Olympic programme.
She noted that while the Olympic Games must continue to bring together the world’s best athletes and captivate fans around the globe, they must grow in a way that is sustainable for future hosts:
“We need a programme that brings together the world's best athletes. That showcases sport at a higher level. That remains meaningful for athletes and fans. That is sustainable for the future. And of course, and most importantly, we need to be able to keep the magic of the Games.”
She explained that a new discipline-focused methodology will provide a more flexible and evidence-based framework for evaluating the Olympic programme, reflecting the direct impact disciplines have on venue requirements, operational delivery and overall cost at the Games.
“We have agreed on a new methodology for evaluating the Olympic programme. A key part of this is moving towards a more discipline-focused approach. It gives us a much more precise and evidence-based way to look at the programme,” she said.
Protecting principles in a changing world
The IOC President also highlighted the unique role that sport can play in promoting understanding and unity at a time of geopolitical tensions and growing division around the world.
“Sport can bring people together. It can build bridges. It creates respect and understanding, even at times when our world is divided. Sport is a precious place and it has to be kept safe. It has to be kept peaceful. It has to be kept a space where shared values can come together and be recognised.”
At the same time, she emphasised the importance of safeguarding the autonomy of sport:
“We must protect the autonomy of sport from political interference so that athletes can compete based on merit and sport. And it can remain a place of excellence, friendship and respect.”
About the SportAccord Forum
The IF Forum 2026 kicked off today in the Olympic Capital, bringing together International Sports Federations for three days of high-level discussions and exchanges. Against the backdrop of geopolitical shifts, rapid digital transformation and changing expectations from athletes and fans alike, the Forum offers a platform for reflection, collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Over the next two days, participants will explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of sport, with a programme designed to spark dialogue and deliver practical takeaways.