BEIJING — The virtual World Press Briefing (WPB) for the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games started on Oct 19.

The four-day conference, held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is being attended by over 400 representatives from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), National Olympic Committees (NOCs), National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), International Federations (IFs), and worldwide media, among other organizations.

"Quality services for media organizations are an integral part of our work. We give high priority to media operations and will honor our bid commitments. We have done and will continue to do everything necessary to meet the pre-Games and Games-time needs of the media for Games coverage," Zhang Jiandong, executive vice-president of the Beijing 2022 Organizing Committee (BOCOG) said in his address.

Zhang went on to express confidence in Beijing's smooth preparations for the Games despite the challenges brought by the coronavirus and vowed to provide "comprehensive, efficient and convenient" media services.

"I look forward to your continued support and cooperation so that we can do a still better job of Games preparation. Let us work together to deliver a successful Games in 2022 for the world," he concluded.

In the following days, the organizers will brief the progress in 15 functional areas including media operations, sports, venue construction, registration, accommodation, technology and transport and answer questions from participants.

With on-site field trips practically impossible, the organizers will take advantage of simulation technology to present the construction and progress, spatial layout, and vehicles and personnel flow designs of the venues.

"We hope to let the journalists that are to come to Beijing 2022 know about their work and life here and provide necessary information for organizations to budget and plans for interview and personnel," said Xu Jicheng, head of media operations of Beijing 2022.

This world press briefing is the first under the watch of Lucia de Montanarella, who was named IOC Media Operations chief in January.

"I think that the commitment of Beijing 2022 trying to deliver high standard services and facilities to the media is testified by the table that we see, with the top management of BOCOG participating at the opening of this world press briefing," Montanarella said during her opening remarks.

"It means a lot to the worldwide media to know that BOCOG gives the interests of the media such a high priority in their organization."