The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics is a symbol of hope, unity, solidarity and peace, according to World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom.

The WHO chief arrived in Beijing on Thursday ahead of the opening ceremony of the Games, which is scheduled for Friday, February 4.

"I just arrived in Beijing to join the opening of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, alongside Secretary-General of UN and other leaders," Dr Tedros wrote on Twitter upon arriving in China.

"The Games are the symbol of hope, unity, solidarity and peace. Those values are needed more than ever as we fight COVID-19 together."

Various world leaders have been arriving in Beijing to attend Friday’s opening ceremony. At least 32 heads of foreign states, heads of government, members of the royal family, and heads of international organizations are expected to attend the ceremony and related activities.