The number of women nominated to an International Olympic Committee (IOC) commission has increased by 49% over the last two years, with a third (32 percent) of places now taken by female members, the IOC announced.

The changes to the function and composition of the commissions reflect the philosophy initiated by the Olympic Agenda 2020, a strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic movement.

IOC president Thomas Bach said: "[The changes] They demonstrate the close dialogue with our stakeholders and society at large, with whom we started this process nearly two years ago.

"The increase of women’s participation and the broader geographical representation will encourage more inclusive decision making,".

The commissions now also include more representatives from the different stakeholders of the Olympic Movement, more members and chair persons from Africa and Oceania and, for the first time, representatives from international organisations such as the United Nations.

Among the changes, two entirely new commissions have been created: an Olympic Channel Commission, which will ensure that all relevant stakeholders and expertise are consulted throughout the growth and development of the Olympic Channel; and a Communications Commission, which will help to develop strategies to support the promotion of the Olympic values, and the IOC’s vision and mission to a global audience.