This biennial event brings together athlete representatives from National Olympic Committees (NOCs) across Oceania to address important issues impacting athletes, develop strategies for continuous improvement, and strengthen their role in the region's sport landscape.

Hosted under the guidance of the ONOC Athletes' Commission (AC) and in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes’ Department (Athlete365), the recommendations from the forum will be integral to advancing goals in athlete welfare, leadership development, and safeguarding.

The forum provides participants a platform to share experiences and insights, and to contribute to decision-making shaping the future of sport in the region.

ONOC President Dr Robin Mitchell commented on the significance of the event:

“The Oceania Athletes’ Forum has always been an essential platform for athletes across the Pacific to voice their perspectives and to collaborate on shared goals. As a custodian of sport in the region, it is vital that we work together to empower our athletes, protect their rights, and ensure that their voices are heard at every level of decision-making.”

ONOC Athletes’ Commission Chair, Ken Wallace stated:

“This forum is essential for ensuring that the voices of Oceania’s athletes are heard and that they play an active role in shaping the sporting landscape in the Oceania region.”

Athletes will engage in a range of sessions and discussions across three days.

Presentations on Olympic Solidarity initiatives, updates from ONOC and IOC Athletes' Commissions, and breakout sessions enabling athletes to lead their NOCs and advance athlete welfare, have been incorporated into the programme.

Key sessions will be led by IOC Athletes' Commission Chair Emma Terho revealing global progress in athlete support, and ONOC Athletes' Commission Chair Ken Wallace providing an update on the Pacific Games and Olympic Games Paris 2024.

The forum will also feature contributions from Olympic Solidarity on athlete grant programs and a special presentation from former ONOC AC Chair, Karo Lelai.

The objective of this forum is to provide skills development for Athletes' Commissions in the Oceania region, enabling them to effectively represent and assist their athletes. By offering the resources and information needed to advocate for athlete well-being and progress, this forum aims to ensure that athlete leaders return to their National Olympic Committees equipped and prepared to enact plans that will strengthen their Athletes' Commissions.