Addressing the 2026 Nishan Forum on World Civilizations, IOC Honorary President for Life Thomas Bach highlighted sport's power to deepen mutual understanding.
"Sport is about education and values. Sport always builds bridges and fosters understanding between all nations and all peoples of the world," he said.
The forum is being held in Nishan, Qufu, the Shandong town where Confucius was born.
"I have very fond memories of my visit to the birthplace of Confucius a few years ago. It gave me the opportunity to discover firsthand how much Confucian thought and Olympism have in common," Bach added.
