IOC shuts down 12 Olympic committees in switch to smaller expert advisory groups

Lausanne, Switzerland (AP) — The International Olympic Committee announced it is closing 12 permanent committees focused on matters such as human rights and gender issues. Instead, it will establish expert panels as needed.

The reduction leaves 19 committees active. IOC President Kirsty Coventry, in her second year, has already utilized smaller working groups for critical issues. In March, a review of "female category" protection in sports was assigned to an expert panel, rather than the in-house Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion commission, which will now be disbanded.

Also being eliminated are the IOC Advisory Committee on Human Rights, chaired by former South African deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, as well as those on sustainability, technology, athletes’ entourage, and digital engagement. Each of these groups usually consisted of 10 to 30 members, convening in Lausanne, Switzerland, for annual meetings.

The IOC explained in a statement that transitioning to ad hoc working groups will enable "focused engagement on key strategic priorities and policy development."