Chang Ung, a longtime North Korean member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) who helped drive inter-Korean sports cooperation, died last month at age 87, the IOC said Wednesday.

In a press release, the committee said Chang left a “lasting legacy through his contributions to sports development, international cooperation and promotion of the Olympic values.” 

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said Chang “devoted his whole life to the development of sport” in the DPRK and commended his efforts to promote cooperation on the Korean Peninsula.

She added that he “demonstrated the power of sport to build bridges and inspire hope.”