When the Olympic flame was lit in Tokyo in 2021, it burned not only as a symbol of athletic excellence, but also as a beacon of resilience, hope and global solidarity. As the world grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic, the successful delivery of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 offered more than competition; it showed that with strong partnerships, careful planning and a shared commitment to health, the world could come together, even in its most challenging moments.

The World Health Organization (WHO) was proud to stand alongside the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during this critical time. Our close collaboration with the IOC, Japanese and Chinese authorities, and international public health experts made it possible to host these Games safely. We collaboratively developed and implemented robust Covid-19 prevention and response measures that protected athletes, officials and communities, setting a global precedent for how major events could take place during a health crisis.

Sport is a powerful enabler of health. It inspires movement, strengthens communities and uplifts the spirit. The Games held during the pandemic reminded us that sport promotes connection as well as physical and mental well-being, especially when movement was restricted and isolation widespread.

Over the past several years, the IOC and WHO have worked hand in hand to leverage the power of sport in advancing global health. Our joint Let’s Move campaign, launched in 2023, calls on people everywhere to embrace physical activity in their daily lives. Athletes have been at the forefront of this movement, motivating millions to take small steps towards better health.