CASCAIS, Portugal, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The 27th General Assembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) opened on Wednesday, with a strong emphasis on Olympic solidarity and a forward-looking vision for sports innovation.

IOC President Thomas Bach addressed delegates from over 200 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), underscoring the role of the Olympic Movement in fostering peace and unity amid geopolitical challenges.

Reflecting on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Bach commended the Organizing Committee's efforts, calling the Games "a symbol of peace in a world increasingly marked by tension and conflict."

"In a world with growing tension, the Olympic Games are among the few places where humanity can come together in peace," he said, adding that Paris 2024 exemplified the inclusivity and diversity central to the Olympic vision.

Bach applauded the organizing team for delivering Games that were "younger, more urban, and more sustainable," reflecting key reforms from the Olympic Agenda 2020+5.

The IOC president's remarks also highlighted the impact of the Olympic Solidarity Fund, which saw a 10% budget increase this year to 650 million U.S. dollars. He explained that this expansion aims to ensure athletes from all backgrounds can access training and competitive opportunities, noting that the Paris Olympics saw 91 NOCs earn medals, with several countries winning their first-ever Olympic golds.

"Our mission is to level the playing field," Bach said, reaffirming the commitment to provide resources that bridge the competitive gap between developing and developed countries.

Turning to technology, Bach urged NOCs to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) and other innovations as tools to further Olympic goals. He outlined the IOC's "Olympic Artificial Intelligence Agenda," which promotes AI applications to support fair play and enhance sports equity across nations.

"If we do not seize these opportunities, others will define the future of sport, potentially undermining our values," Bach noted, stressing the importance of proactively steering technology in line with Olympic values.

He said the AI Agenda is designed to identify talent, personalize training, and support fair adjudication in sports, ensuring that AI serves athletes worldwide rather than just privileged countries.

ANOC President Robin Mitchell echoed Bach's call for unity, noting that the General Assembly provides an invaluable opportunity for NOCs to share strategies and collaborate on challenges specific to their regions.

"Together, we are stronger," Mitchell said, adding that collaboration among NOCs is essential to the Olympic Movement's growth and its ability to address new global challenges. Enditem

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