On Thursday 28 November 2019, we celebrate World Olive Day here at IOC headquarters in Madrid. We also expect to see the decision to officially add the day to the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage approved, Cementing it in our calendar.
The day also marks the 60th anniversary of the IOC, and both events coincide with the 110th session of the Council of Members. So, the Executive Secretariat has planned a special day of events, including a technical visit, speeches given by distinguished guests, and the planting of olive trees in the new IOC garden. Several important documents will also be signed. The detailed programme can be found below.
Technical Visit
09.30: Departure from the IOC
10.00: Visit to a thousand-year-old olive grove
Santander Foundation
12.30: Return to headquarters
Celebration of World Olive Day and 60th anniversary of the IOC
12.30: Arrival of the guests
13.00: Welcome address by the IOC Chair
13.10: Reading of the WOD statement
13.15: Olive oil, the Mediterranean diet and the prevention of chronic diseases
13.30: Speeches:
- Mr Levan Davitashvili, Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Georgia
- Mr Luis Planas, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Spain
14.10: Signing of the Headquarters Agreement between the Kingdom of Spain and the IOC
14.20: Honorary distinctions
14.40: Signing of the agreement between the IOC and the Santander Foundation
14.45: Raising the flag of Georgia
14.55: Inauguration of the new IOC garden and plantation of olive trees