A woman wearing a face mask sits at a bus stop advertising the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Bangkok on March 20, 2020. (LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

BEIJING - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach reaffirmed in his New Year's message that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games are the priorities for the year 2021.

Thomas Bach highlighted the role that sports played in this pandemic-disrupted year and called for solidarity in face of future challenges

Touching on Tokyo 2020, Bach reiterated his gratitude for the host's commitment and determination to organize the Games "in a safe and secure way for all the participants" that fits the post-coronavirus world

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"We all will live an unforgettable Games," he said.

As for Beijing 2022, which will get underway half a year after the postponed Tokyo 2020, Bach said: "We have to already start at the beginning of this year to prepare for the upcoming 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. And there, really all are on board. We see the same commitment and determination of our Chinese partners and friends, and all the Olympic venues are already ready for the best winter sports athletes in the world."

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Bach also highlighted the role that sports played in this pandemic-disrupted year as represented by the organization's campaigns of "#StayStrong #StayActive #StayHealthy" and "Healthy Together" and called for solidarity in face of future challenges.

"We need more solidarity. We need more solidarity within societies, and we need more solidarity among societies," he said. "By learning from this lesson of solidarity, we will turn the challenges of the future into opportunities again."