Mount Damavand becomes a summit of solidarity during 4th CISM “Climbing for Peace” Event

TEHRAN (IRI) – Under the banner of “Friendship Through Sport,” the Islamic Republic of Iran successfully hosted the 4th edition of the CISM “Climbing for Peace” initiative, bringing together military mountaineers from Armenia, Bangladesh, Iraq, Russia, and the host nation for a symbolic and physically demanding ascent of Mount Damavand, Iran’s highest peak at 5,610 meters.

Organized under the auspices of the Iranian Armed Forces in cooperation with the CISM Board of Directors for Asia, the week-long event transformed one of the region’s most iconic natural landmarks into a powerful platform for unity, resilience, and sports diplomacy.

On 28 July, nearly 100 uniformed military climbers, including women and, for the first time, para-athletes, successfully reached the summit of Mount Damavand. Braving strong winds and high-altitude conditions, participants raised their national flags and the CISM flag together, sending a resounding message of peace and cooperation above the clouds.

This historic inclusion of para-athletes marked a significant milestone for the “Climbing for Peace” initiative, reinforcing CISM’s commitment to inclusivity and adaptive sports within the armed forces.

The event commenced with a welcoming ceremony in Tehran, attended by senior Iranian military officials. Major General Mahmoud Sheikh Hassani, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, addressed participants by stating: “Mount Damavand is not just a peak, it is a platform for sports diplomacy, where flags are raised side by side, not in opposition.”

Brigadier General Jamshid Fooladi, Chief of the Iranian Delegation to CISM and CISM Board Member for Asia, echoed these sentiments: “Through this initiative, mountaintops become bridges between nations. Scientific research confirms that training in such extreme environments enhances physical resilience, just as shared efforts like this foster trust and mutual respect among soldiers.”

Throughout the acclimatization and training period at Polour Camp, international participants not only prepared physically but also formed strong bonds across cultural and national lines. Each step taken toward the summit became a metaphor for collaboration, understanding, and perseverance.

At the conclusion of the event, Rear Admiral Faramarz Bemani, Deputy Commander of the Iranian Navy, praised the initiative as “a model for future peace-driven events in diverse geographic settings, be they mountains, deserts, or coastal regions.”

Brigadier General Fooladi closed the ceremony with a message to all CISM member nations: “Climbing for Peace is not merely a physical challenge, it is a platform for building trust and dialogue among armed forces. We encourage all member states to raise the CISM flag on their own summits in 2026 and beyond.”

The 2025 edition of “Climbing for Peace” powerfully embodied CISM’s core values. From the first salutes on the tarmac to the final handshakes at the farewell ceremony, the event demonstrated that soldiers, trained to defend, are also capable of uniting through sport in pursuit of peace.

As Mount Damavand’s silhouette faded into the distance, the legacy of this event stood tall. The summit has been reached, but the journey of “Climbing for Peace” continues. 

Who will take up the challenge next?

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department and Iranian Delegation to CISM)