On 12 February 2026, in Milan, the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee organized the conference Olympic Values and Artificial Intelligence in collaboration with three institutions recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC): the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee (IPCC), the International Society of Olympic Historians (ISOH), Panathlon International (PI), and the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP).

The conference explored the increasingly central role of artificial intelligence in research, education, innovation, and ethical governance, with a particular focus on its present and future implications for the Olympic Movement. These developments raise fundamental questions concerning responsibility, inclusion, integrity, and the education of younger generations.

The Olympic Values & Artificial Intelligence conference fully reflected this shared vision, laying the groundwork for a structured and ongoing dialogue between sport, ethics, and technological innovation, with a forward-looking perspective.

The scientific programme addressed the following themes:

• Artificial Intelligence and Ethical Values, keynote lecture by Ian Robertson;
• The Role of AI in Sport Integrity Initiatives, presented by Alejandro Merino-Madrid and Giuseppe Deleonardis;
• Sparks of Olympism: Igniting the Future with Coubertin, AI, and Olympic Values Education, presented by Stephan Wassong and Hilla Davidov;
• Ethical and Responsible AI, presented by Emanuele Frontoni, Bianca Gama Pena, and Pierre Zappelli;
• Preserving the Past, Powering the Future: AI and the Public Dissemination of Olympic Heritage, presented by Sabine Haller-Neumann and Christian Wacker.

The first meeting of the four IOC-recognized institutions had taken place on 2 August 2024 and represented not only a moment of discussion, but also a declaration of intent: to work together and explore new forms of collaboration aimed at strengthening Olympic values, promoting their practical application, supporting educational initiatives, fostering peace, and preserving the historical memory of the Olympic Movement.

We express our sincere appreciation to all speakers for their scholarly contributions and for the depth and generosity with which they shared their expertise. The participating institutions reaffirm their commitment to the continued promotion and critical examination of Olympic values in contemporary and future contexts.

Speakers

• Ian Robertson (PAIR – Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg)
• Giuseppe Deleonardis, IOC Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer
• Alejandro Merino-Madrid, IOC Head of AI Technology and Information Department
• Hilla Davidov, Expert in Sports Education and the Olympic Values Programme
• Stephan Wassong, Professor at the Institute of Sport History and Director of the Olympic Studies Centre, German Sport University Cologne
• Emanuele Frontoni, Professor of Computer Science, University of Macerata, and Co-Director of the VRAI Lab
• Bianca Gama Pena, Project Manager and Researcher, State University of Rio de Janeiro; Founder and Director of the e-Museum of Sport
• Pierre Zappelli, Former President of Panathlon International
• Sabine Haller-Neumann, Head of Archives, Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage
• Christian Wacker, President of the International Society of Olympic Historians and Senior Museum and Exhibitions Expert specializing in Olympic sports heritage
• Professor Gary Rhodes, California State University, Moderator of the Conference

From the left: Christian Wacker, ISOH President, Stephan Wassong, IPCC President, Pierre Zappelli, PI Former President and Sunil Sabharwal, CIFP President