The Hellenic Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Academy were present at the 48th Session of the Chinese Taipei Olympic Academy, which begun on 18 September in Taipei under the central theme: “The Olympic Movement and Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges.”

The President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, Mr Isidoros Kouvelos addressed the Session, highlighting the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the IOA and the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee and Academy and, the beginning now, under his new capacity, of a strong synergy with the Hellenic Olympic Committee, as well. He paid special tribute to Mr Lin, acknowledging his significant and continuous support to the IOA, as well as his vision and commitment to the advancement of Olympic education.

The President of the International Olympic Academy, Dr Charilaos Tsolakis, delivered the keynote lecture on “The Future of Sport and Olympic Education.” In an inspiring address, he emphasized the importance of safeguarding Olympic values in the era of rapid technological change and Artificial Intelligence. He underlined that AI should complement human intelligence, rather than replace it, acting as an augmentation rather than a substitute for human capabilities. AI has enormous potential to improve human life, but its development and application must be guided by ethical principles and universal values. The role of the IOA, as a global center of Olympic Education and a catalyst for the dissemination of the Olympic Values worldwide, via its educational programs, is to ensure that AI will serve education and humanity rather than undermine it.

A high-level panel discussion followed, featuring the Presidents of the IOA and the HOC along with Dr Makis Asimakopoulos, Director of the International Olympic Academy, and Ms Alexandra Karaiskou, the IOA Head of Relations with National Olympic Committees and National Olympic Academies.

The panel explored the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Olympism, addressing both opportunities and challenges. The speakers stressed that while AI offers powerful tools for education, training, and communication, it must remain aligned with the timeless Olympic Values of respect, excellence, and friendship in order to safeguard the human dimension of sport.

The day’s proceedings also included a milestone in institutional cooperation with the signing of multiple Memorandum of Understandings:

• Between the Hellenic Olympic Committee and the National Olympic Committee of Chinese Taipei
• Among the Hellenic Olympic Committee, the Hellenic Olympic Academy and the National Olympic Academy of Chinese Taipei
• Between the International Olympic Academy and the National Olympic Committee of Chinese Taipei,
• Between the International Olympic Academy and the National Olympic Academy of Chinese Taipei

These agreements underline the enduring bonds of cooperation and the shared commitment to strengthening Olympic education, promoting cultural exchange, and advancing the Olympic Movement worldwide.