On 6th January 2015, the IOC welcomed the Candidature Files of Almaty (KAZ) and Beijing (CHN), the two cities bidding to host the 2022 Olympic Winter Games.

Both cities are being encouraged to reflect the spirit of Olympic Agenda 2020 following the unanimous approval of the 40 recommendations at the 127th IOC Session in Monaco on 8th December. The Olympic Agenda 2020 allows for more flexibility in the bid process, a stronger emphasis on legacy, lower costs and improved sustainability.

The IOC has informed the Candidate Cities that the 2022 host city can anticipate a contribution from the IOC to stage the Games of an overall estimated value of USD 880 million. In addition, the IOC will also grant other rights and benefits and provide other forms of assistance to the Organising Committee for the success of the Games which are described in the Host City Contract, and this will be made public.

The host city for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games will be elected at the 128th IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur (MAS) following a final presentation by the cities to the full IOC membership on 31st July 2015.