The International Olympic Academy was represented at the 2025 International Conference on Olympic Education Development held in Beijing, China, by Dr Makis Asimakopoulos, Director of the IOA, and Ms Alexandra Karaiskou, Head of NOAs/NOCs Relations. 

The conference, organized by the Capital University of Physical Education and Sports (CUPES) and the Beijing Institute for Olympic Studies (BIIOS), with the presence of the Council Chair of the University, Mr Haibin Yang and the President, Ms Xia Zhang, alongside senior academic and Olympic officials, brought together esteemed professors, scholars, and representatives from leading institutions and international organizations, including experts from the IOC Olympic Studies Centre.  A series of impactful presentations and lectures explored current trends, research, and strategies related to Olympic Education.

Dr Asimakopoulos addressed the development of the IOA educational programmes and emphasized the IOA’s commitment to advancing Olympic Education globally. He outlined the IOA’s evolving strategic vision and its efforts to engage various targeted groups through innovative and impactful initiatives.

Ms Karaiskou focused on the IOA’s global network and its collective and transformational role in the Olympic Values worldwide. She highlighted the challenges faced in delivering consistent Olympic Education across diverse contexts, while also outlining the opportunities ahead for deeper collaboration, inclusivity, and modernization through digital platforms.

The conference also served as a platform for sharing valuable experiences from various Chinese Olympic Studies Centres, showcasing how these institutions can work together to promote Olympic Education, foster youth engagement, conduct meaningful academic research, and create stronger links between the academic world, the sports community, and the society. All participants emphasized the importance of mutual learning, supporting each other’s initiatives, and working in synergy to further the goals of the Olympic Movement.

The IOA expresses its sincere appreciation to the President and Vice President of CUPES for their warm welcome and hospitality arrangements, and to Ms Liang Fang, from the Olympic Education and Cultural Promotion Teaching and Research Division of CUPES,  Mr Su Rufeng, Director of the Office of BIIOS, as well as the whole staff for their exceptional professionalism and the flawless organization of the conference.  Their dedication and meticulous efforts significantly contributed to the success of the event.

This fruitful participation reaffirms the IOA’s mission to international dialogue, collaboration, and the continuous advancement of Olympic Education as a lifelong and global process.