On July 14, the opening ceremony of the 67th International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) was held in Shanghai. Attending the ceremony and delivering remarks were Mr. Gregor Dolinar, President of the Board of the International Mathematical Olympiad; Mr. Mo Zeyao, Vice President of China Association for Science and Technology; Mr. Lu Shan, Vice Mayor of Shanghai; Mr. Tian Gang, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Mr. Xi Nanhua, President of the Chinese Mathematical Society and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Officials from the China Association for Science and Technology, the Chinese Mathematical Society, and relevant departments of the Shanghai Municipal Government, and Xuhui District attended the opening ceremony. Also attending were representatives of academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, members of the IMO Committee, team leaders, deputy leaders, observers and contestants from all participating countries and regions, as well as delegates from domestic IMO gold-medal schools and partner organizations.
The event, organized by the Chinese Mathematical Society and the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission with Shanghai High School as the host institution, brings together approximately 680 contestants from more than 120 countries and regions, marking the largest participation in IMO history.
Mathematics as a bridge for Understanding and Cooperation
The opening ceremony began with a vibrant atmosphere. The symphony orchestra performed the Spring Festival Overture, welcoming guests and contestants from around the world with joyful melodies.
Vice Mayor of Shanghai Mr. Lu Shan welcomed young contestants, experts and scholars from more than 120 countries and regions. He noted that winning a gold medal is not the ultimate goal, as asking meaningful questions matters even more than solving problems. He expressed his wish that the participants would grow not only into brilliant problem-solvers, but also exceptional problem-posers, and take home fond memories of their stay in Shanghai.
Mr. Mo Zeyao, Vice President of China Association for Science and Technology, noted that mathematics serves as the cornerstone of all branches of science, and encouraged participants to uphold their pure passion for mathematics and explore its profound mysteries. He also expressed his expectation that the math-loving youth would view mathematics as both a key to future scientific and technological advancement and a universal language that connects civilizations.
Mr. Tian Gang，Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, remarked that the fundamental role of mathematics has grown increasingly prominent. He elaborated on the pivotal role of the IMO and the competition league system in identifying young mathematical talents, and encouraged contestants to deliver their best performances and learn from one another through communications, and wished this grand event a resounding success.
Professor Xi Nanhua, President of the Chinese Mathematical Society and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, reviewed China's journey from an IMO participant to an IMO host, a journey that has witnessed remarkable national development and progress in mathematics. Highlighting mathematics' growing significance in the AI era, he encouraged contestants to enjoy the beauty of mathematics, perform to their full potential.
Mr. Gregor Dolinar, President of the Board of the International Mathematical Olympiad, expressed his gratitude to China, the host country, for its meticulous preparations for the event. He encouraged contestants from around the world to seize cross-cultural exchange opportunities, strive for their best, build friendships and respect diversity, and officially declared IMO 2026 open.
During the oathtaking ceremony, Leyan Deng of Team People’s Republic of China and Hongjia Meng of Team Switzerland jointly delivered the solemn pledge on behalf of all contestants.
The contestants then took the stage one by one, each greeted by sustained applause from the audience.
Forging Friendship Through Competition and Inspiring the World with Mathematical Brilliance
The song-and-dance piece Jasmine Flower, featuring classical dance and children's chorus, showcased the beauty of Oriental aesthetics and conveyed the warm hospitality of the host.
In the performance Youth Pursuing the Light, the robots' graceful movements reflected the wisdom of mathematical optimization. The seamless coordination between young performers and the robots underscored mathematics' pivotal role as the core driving force behind AI and scientific and technological innovation, echoing the IMO’s spirit of exploration.
The performance Galloping Horses blended erhu performance, dance elements and modern arrangements, creating a vibrant and passionate atmosphere. It embodied the enterprising spirit of forging ahead, a core connotation of the 2026 Year of the Horse.
During the song medley segment, the classic Olympic songs rang out, blending the Olympic spirit with the glory of mathematical competition. Guests joined the chorus, singing along with familiar melodies. Thunderous applause resounded throughout the venue, pushing the atmosphere to its peak.
The opening ceremony concluded successfully to the melody of Hand in Hand.
Starting 15 July, young math talents from around the world will compete over two days, forging friendship and inspiring one another through the beauty of mathematics.
