IOC VP hails Beijing 2022 sustainability plan

BEIJING - International Olympic Committee Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr. spoke highly of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Sustainability Plan, calling it "among the most developed" in history.

The plan, which was published on Friday by the Beijing Organizing Committee, will guide the sustainability work of the Beijing 2022 Games both during preparation and running of the events.

"It's a comprehensive demonstration of the hard work and collaboration between yourselves and all the administrations at all levels in China. It is a comprehensive piece of work. It is among the most developed in the history of the Olympic Games," said Samaranch Jr. via a video.

"We embrace your ideas and your initiatives and your drive very much," he noted.

"It's also part of the overall collaboration and brotherhood between our both organizations, the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee and the International Olympic Committee. We've been working hand in hand in very difficult times to solve all the problems and make sure we will stage a very successful Games," he added.