The ongoing vent, organised by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), took place in Swiss city Geneva and is being attended by 193 countries.

Both the IOC and UNHCR announced earlier this month that 70 partner organisations had shown their commitment to helping refugees through sport, as part of the coalition. 

Initiatives will include access to equipment and facilities, as well as the chance for refugees to compete at events.

"This is the first time that such a wide-ranging coalition of partners is coming together specifically around sport, illustrating the unifying power of sport," said Bach.

"The IOC has been supporting refugees through sport for many years. 

"For the Olympic Games Rio 2016, we created the IOC Refugee Olympic Team and, to broaden our engagement, later launched the Olympic Refuge Foundation. 

"In all our efforts, we are working closely with UNHCR.

"From this experience, we know that, for children and young people uprooted by war or persecution, sport is much more than a leisure activity. 

"For refugees, sport is an opportunity to be included and protected - a chance to heal, develop and grow."

The IOC has been in partnership with the UNHCR for 25 years, with this deal resulting in projects in 45 countries.

Those attending the Forum used it as a platform to make pledges and contributions and to exchange best practice.

Various governing bodies, National Olympic Committees and other sporting organisations are part of the new coalition.

"We wholeheartedly welcome these important commitments," said the UN high commissioner for refugees, Filippo Grandi. 

"They clearly demonstrate that the sporting world stands with refugees.

"This genuinely global and collective effort is crucial for promoting sports programmes to help young refugees build confidence, foster their physical and mental health, discover their potential and restore the prospect of a better future."