The Forum also marks the beginning of a series of major meetings, workshops and partnership events taking place alongside the 2026 ONOC Annual General Assembly Week in Auckland.

Bringing together Chef de Missions, Team Managers, National Olympic Committee leaders and Games personnel from across Oceania, the Forum is focused on strengthening Games preparation, operational readiness and athlete support systems ahead of LA28.

Opening the Forum, ONOC President Baklai Temengil-Chilton described the gathering as a practical and outcomes-driven platform for Oceania National Olympic Committees to strengthen their Games planning processes.

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President Baklai acknowledged the partnership and support of the IOC, Olympic Solidarity and the LA28 Organising Committee in selecting Oceania as the first region to host the series.

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“This is not simply another meeting on the calendar. It is a working Forum. A practical Forum. And most importantly, an outcomes-driven Forum,” she said.  

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She highlighted that the central outcome of the Forum is for every NOC to leave with a stronger and more athlete-centred Games Plan covering operational delivery, leadership structures, logistics, accreditation planning, athlete welfare, communication systems and Games-time decision-making.  

President Baklai also linked the Forum to ONOC’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028 and the organisation’s Fit for Purpose RESET agenda, which seeks to strengthen governance, operational capability and long-term Games readiness across Oceania.  

The Forum builds on the ongoing OSEP Chef de Mission Acquaint Series, which has already supported delegation leaders across the region through Games preparation and operational planning workshops.  

Mr Olivier Niamkey, Associate Director of Olympic Solidarity at the IOC, also delivered opening remarks and reaffirmed the IOC’s commitment to supporting Oceania National Olympic Committees in their preparation journey toward LA28.

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In a special moment during the opening day, IOC President Kirsty Coventry visited the Forum to meet participants and joined delegates for a group photo, acknowledging Oceania’s commitment to collaboration, athlete development and Games readiness.

The LA28 Oceania Forum continues over the coming days with workshops, operational planning sessions and collaborative discussions aimed at strengthening Oceania’s collective preparation toward Los Angeles 2028 and beyond to Brisbane 2032.