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International Olympic Committee news

A little over a year from now, Italy will welcome the world to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. This will be the third time that the nation hosts the Olympic Winter Games after Cortina d’Ampezzo in 1956 and Turin in 2006. As the excitement of the one-year countdown begins, Olympic Review takes a look at preparations for the first winter edition of the Games to be fully organised and delivered under Olympic Agenda 2020.

In the pages of the magazine:

In a piece entitled “Breaking new ground on ice and snow”, journalist Brian Pinelli looks at how preparations are progressing and what the world can expect to see a year from now.Cortina resident Bruno Colli, a torch bearer from 1956, reflects on his experience from 70 years ago and how the Games have changed.In “The People of Milano Cortina”, Italian academic and journalist, Mario Nicoliello, looks at how the organisers are engaging with the local communities throughout northern Italy to build excitement and ensure their involvement in what promises to be a nation-wide event.IOC Member and Chair of the Coordination Commission for the XXV Olympic Winter Games, Kristin Kloster, examines how the organisers are leaving their own stamp on the Games.Just as Paris 2024 were the first gender-equal Olympic Games on the field of play, so Milano Cortina 2026 are aiming to become the most gender balanced-edition of the Olympic Winter Games. In a piece on “Closing the Gap on Gender Equality”, Paris 2024’s Marie Barsacq passes the baton to Milano Cortina 2026’s Diana Bianchedi to explain how the organisers are promoting gender equality.

Since no publication in December 2024 would be complete without a retrospective on what has been a remarkable year, Olympic Review also looks back at Paris 2024.

The IOC photographers select their favourite images from the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and explain why they mean so much.Finally, Olympic Review reflects on the role played by the sponsors in delivering the Games and why their partnerships are so important to the success of the event.

These and other articles appear in edition 123 of Olympic Review, which you can find here.

Olympic Review is the IOC’s oldest publication and the official magazine of the Olympic Movement. It is published twice a year in English, French and Spanish. Its content is a mix of opinion pieces and in-depth articles on subjects of interest to the sports movement. To access all the previous editions of the Olympic Review, go to the Olympic World Library website.

Authored by Adrienne Larmett, John A. Rogula

Colleges and universities today face an unprecedented wave of disruptions. Political shifts, executive orders, regulatory changes and evolving federal funding priorities have upended the higher education landscape. The rapid pace of these changes shows no signs of slowing, leaving institutions in a constant state of adaptation. Leaders must grapple with a host of challenges, from changes in immigration policies affecting international student enrollment to funding uncertainties and shifting societal expectations.

Yet, while the challenges are great, so are the opportunities. Institutions that embrace a proactive approach to risk management will be best positioned to navigate uncertainty and emerge stronger. This is where Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) plays a crucial role, providing a framework that not only helps colleges respond to current disruptions but also prepares them for future challenges and opportunities. ERM empowers institutions to shift from reactive to proactive crisis management and to strategic resilience, ensuring that they can adapt to change while staying true to their academic mission.

What is ERM?

Enterprise Risk Management is an organization-wide approach to identifying, assessing, managing, and monitoring risks that could impact or escalate an institution’s ability to achieve its goals. Unlike traditional risk management, which often focuses on specific areas like finance or compliance, ERM takes a holistic view, addressing risks across all facets of the institutional enterprise. This includes financial stability, regulatory compliance, strategic direction, operational excellence, reputational concerns and the broader external environment. ERM fosters a proactive, adaptable culture that anticipates risks, manages them effectively and turns challenges into opportunities.

Higher education at a crossroads

The current higher education landscape is defined by volatility. Consider some of the major disruptions institutions are navigating today:

Federal and State policy shifts: Changes in funding priorities, evolving Title IX regulations and new compliance mandates require institutions to remain constantly vigilant.Campus free speech and Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) debates: Institutions are caught in political and ideological battles over DEI initiatives, campus protests and academic freedom.International student enrollment challenges: Visa policy changes and geopolitical tensions affect the recruitment and retention of international students.Financial pressures: Rising costs, demographic shifts and unpredictable funding streams require institutions to rethink their financial models.Technological and AI disruptions: The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping everything from classroom instruction to administrative processes.

These incidents are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of continuous change. Institutions that prepare for uncertainty through ERM will be better equipped to maintain stability and focus on their core mission of education and research.

How ERM helps colleges and universities navigate disruptions

Recent challenges have shown that colleges and universities need a plan for navigating the unknown. By integrating ERM into their operations, institutions can take a proactive stance in managing risks, ensuring that they’re prepared for future uncertainties. Here’s how ERM can help:

Anticipating emerging risks: Rather than waiting for the next crisis, ERM encourages institutions to regularly assess external trends, whether political, economic or technological—to anticipate risks before they become critical. Institutions can apply ERM to support decision making by assessing risks and the alternative strategic options available in response. Institutions can prepare for funding shifts, new regulations and other emerging challenges with foresight rather than panic by conducting ongoing risk assessments.Building flexible response strategies: ERM is not just about identifying risks, it’s about crafting actionable plans to address and capitalize on them. Institutions need contingency strategies for various scenarios, such as sudden changes in federal research funding or student visa policies. With ERM, leadership teams can create structured response plans that ensure agility, minimize disruption and maximize opportunity.Strengthening campus communication and transparency: Amid upheaval, clear communication with faculty, students and stakeholders is essential. ERM supports the development of crisis communication plans, ensuring that institutional leadership can quickly and transparently address concerns, maintain trust and prevent misinformation from spreading.Ensuring financial stability: With ERM institutions can identify financial vulnerabilities and diversify revenue streams to withstand economic fluctuations. Whether through alternative funding sources, strategic partnerships or smarter budgeting, institutions that implement ERM can better secure their financial future.Fostering a culture of resilience and adaptability: Change is inevitable, but institutions that embrace ERM create a culture that is resilient, proactive and open to innovation. By embedding risk management into daily operations, institutions can strengthen their ability to evolve with confidence and purpose and bring the lens of risk to long-term strategic decisions.

A call to action for institutional leadership

The future environment of higher education is uncertain, but uncertainty does not have to mean instability. Institutions that invest in ERM will not only weather today’s challenges but will also position themselves as leaders in a rapidly changing world. By fostering strategic foresight, proactive risk management and a culture of adaptability, institutions can continue to fulfill their mission of education, research and service—no matter what disruptions arise.

Now is the time for leaders to embrace ERM, ensuring their institutions are not just reactive to change, but prepared for whatever comes next. An ERM health assessment is something you can do now, quickly and at a relatively low cost to get a sense of your exposure going forward. 

With ERM in place, colleges and institutions can face the future with confidence, resilience and a commitment to excellence.

Interested in learning more? Connect with a Baker Tilly specialist.

How do you unlock your supply chain’s full potential in an era of rising costs, operational complexity, and shifting market demands? For supply chain professionals, the answer increasingly lies in integrated logistics solutions.

The latest research from Exame, based on insights from 204 supply chain decision-makers across various industries, highlights a significant shift in how organizations approach logistics. Cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and end-to-end service integration are no longer just nice-to-haves — they have become essential for staying competitive in today’s market.

Integrated Logistics as a Game-Changer 

The concept of integrated logistics isn’t new, but its adoption is transforming the industry like never before. Companies are moving beyond piecemeal, cost-benefit analyses and opting for comprehensive logistics partners that deliver end-to-end solutions. From streamlining supplier communication to improving efficiency and reducing overall costs, integrated logistics providers are proving essential in meeting modern challenges.

Why Integrated Logistics Matters Now 

According to Exame’s research, 55% of companies are actively consolidating their suppliers, seeking to partner with providers who offer a full suite of services. Here’s why integrated solutions are turning the tide for supply chains:

Cost Optimization

Cost reduction remains a top priority for logistics professionals, with 69% of respondents citing it as the leading advantage of integrated logistics. By working with fewer, more capable suppliers, organizations can cut inefficiencies and reduce supplier management expenses—a critical need, especially in industries where margins are tight.

Enhanced Efficiency and Speed

Automation and technology aren’t optional anymore; they’re essential. Supply chain managers are turning toward AI-driven forecasting and digitized inventories to improve velocity. Integrated suppliers further enhance this by offering seamless solutions across transportation, warehousing, and last-mile delivery, simplifying complex networks into a unified, efficient system.

Strategic Resilience

Operational disruptions, such as transportation hiccups or geopolitical pressures, are constant threats. Integrated logistics providers can mitigate such risks through diverse resources, advanced cargo tracking, and reduced delivery lead times, making supply chains more resilient in a volatile climate.

Comprehensive Visibility

Transparency is a growing expectation for both operations and consumers. Many managers are investing in visibility tools as part of their larger integrated logistics strategy, resulting in optimized KPIs and real-time troubleshooting.

Addressing Today’s Supply Chain Challenges 

Professionals managing complex global supply chains highlighted several critical hurdles in the Exame report. Among the top pain points were high costs (42%), poor supplier relationships (36%), and technology challenges (31%). These challenges call for integrated solutions that go beyond basic logistics services to add real operational and financial value.

Moving Beyond the Cost-Benefit Mindset 

One critical insight from the research is the need for businesses to pivot from solely focusing on immediate cost-benefit analyses to prioritizing partnerships that match operational needs, streamline processes, and align with strategic goals. With 62% of survey respondents at the C-level or managerial level, it’s clear that decision-makers are placing long-term value above short-term savings.

The data also underscores the importance of working with providers who understand these complexities. Integrated logistics suppliers must be partners, offering not only services but also tailored insights and operational expertise.

Real-World Impact of Integrated Solutions 

More businesses are seeing integrated logistics as a path to unlock their full supply chain potential. A few key takeaways from industry leaders include:

FMCG Case Study: A leading FMCG player switched to an integrated logistics provider, cutting delivery lead times by 20% and supplier management overhead costs by over 30%. Their integrated provider offered streamlined warehousing and transportation solutions that aligned with their specific supply chain processes.Emerging Markets: Managers in industries like IT and Retail emphasized their reliance on logistics experts who combine cost-effectiveness with ESG-compliance. Over 50% of professionals surveyed noted the importance of sustainability support when choosing integrated suppliers, an emerging trend aligned with public and corporate values.

Unlocking Supply Chain Efficiency with End-to-End Providers 

Survey respondents were clear in identifying the substantial benefits of supplier consolidation and integrated logistics providers:

Cost Savings: Over two-thirds of survey participants believe cost reduction is the most immediate and impactful advantage of integrated logistics.Streamlined Communication: Poor supplier communication was highlighted as a significant issue. 36% of respondents are investing in better supplier relationships, with integrated providers offering simplified, unified contact points.Access to Specialized Services: For businesses seeking to grow into new markets or adopt unique solutions, integrated logistics partners offer unparalleled access to global resources.

Looking Ahead 

The Exame report reveals that automation and digital tools dominate future plans, with supply chain managers positioning themselves to adopt more advanced logistics infrastructures. The pursuit of digitization, transparency, and end-to-end solutions will only accelerate as businesses face increasing complexity in demand forecasting and inventory management.

Industrial disruptions are inevitable, but enterprises equipped with integrated logistics are poised to adapt swiftly and maintain a competitive edge. By partnering with forward-thinking providers, businesses can not only solve operational challenges but also achieve strategic agility and long-lasting growth.

A Call to Action 

For logistics and supply chain professionals, the future is no longer about managing individual suppliers or chasing minor cost savings. It’s about harnessing the power of integrated logistics to achieve your organization’s broader business goals.

Download the full Exame report here to gain deeper insights into trends and strategies shaping the next generation of supply chain efficiency. Don’t miss this opportunity to revolutionize your logistics strategy.

by Casey Lozar, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis’ Center for Indian Country Development 

Imagine financial institutions across Indian Country focusing on goals rooted in social impact investing. Their missions might include fostering financial inclusion, providing culturally informed services and improving access to capital and credit in low- and moderate-income communities.   

These institutions exist, yet many people remain unfamiliar with them. Historically, economic data gaps have masked economic conditions and opportunities in Native communities. The Center for Indian Country Development, a research and policy institute based at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, is working to change that.   

CICD advances the economic self-determination and prosperity of Native nations and Indigenous communities through actionable data and research that inform public policy. As part of our portfolio, we’ve worked with a team of researchers to conduct a series of studies on the unique role of Native Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in addressing capital and credit gaps in Indian Country. Those looking to engage in economic well-being in Indian Country may be interested in four key themes that have emerged in our research. 

Read the full article, that looks at the Four Key Themes, here – https://greenmoney.com/a-community-centered-approach-to-closing-credit-access-gaps-native-cdfis