The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has named Asunción (Paraguay), Bangkok (Thailand), and Santiago (Chile) as preferred hosts for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games (YOG), inviting all three cities into a Targeted Dialogue ahead of the final selection. This announcement was made by the IOC’s Executive Board, setting the stage for further discussions and planning ahead of the host election scheduled in June 2026.
The IOC Executive Board (EB) has invited Asunción Paraguay; Bangkok, Thailand; and Santiago, Chile into a Targeted Dialogue for the Youth Olympic Games in 2030.
All three are now considered Preferred Hosts: https://t.co/JPVJfGAwpi pic.twitter.com/prbSHr2j2l
— IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) December 10, 2025
Under the IOC’s new selection framework, cities or regions showing strong preparation potential and strategic vision are first placed in a Targeted Dialogue meaning the committee will now engage in detailed discussions with these bidders about preliminary proposals and reforms for the Youth Olympic Games, which aim to benefit young athletes and enrich the Olympic movement.
What Targeted Dialogue Means
Being invited into a Targeted Dialogue does not guarantee host status yet, but it marks a significant step toward final selection. It allows the IOC to work closely with the preferred hosts on aspects such as logistics, sustainability, venue readiness and alignment with long‑term planning. The process also includes submitting formal responses to IOC requirements and feasibility questionnaires. The IOC hopes to conclude this dialogue and choose a host by mid‑2026, giving the chosen city adequate time for event preparation.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry emphasized that the move reflects the organization’s intent to reshape the Youth Olympic Games to make them “fit for the future,” highlighting clarity on the Games’ structure, production, and long‑term vision as key priorities for the 2030 edition.
Why These Cities Stand Out
Each of the three preferred hosts brings unique strengths to the table:
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Asunción, benefiting from recent experience hosting the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, offers a consolidated cluster of existing or temporary venues and strong government backing.
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Bangkok is positioned with extensive existing infrastructure and a strategic urban layout suitable for multi‑sport events.
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Santiago, after successfully hosting large international competitions, also provides a mix of urban and coastal sports environments, reflecting experience and readiness for major multisport staging.
Looking Ahead
The next Youth Olympic Games after 2030 will be held in Dakar, Senegal from October 31 to November 13, 2026. The outcome of the Targeted Dialogue will shape which city hosts the 2030 edition with the final decision expected at an IOC Session in 2026.