Monaco celebrates unity and dialogue as the 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress officially opens
MONACO (MON) – The 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress reached a major milestone on 4 and 5 May 2026, as the official opening ceremony and key institutional activities brought together the global military sport community in the Principality of Monaco.
Following three days of preparatory meetings, the event entered its ceremonial and public phase, highlighting the core values of the International Military Sports Council: dialogue, cooperation and “Friendship through Sport”.
On Monday morning, the Opening Ceremony took place in the prestigious Salle d’Or, gathering CISM authorities, representatives from 81 nations and distinguished guests. The ceremony was held in the presence of His Excellency Mr Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State of Monaco, alongside Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, CISM President, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Secretary General, and Colonel Dirk Schwede, CISM Vice President Europe.
Representing the host nation’s military and institutional authorities were Colonel Tony Varo, Superior Commander of the Monaco Public Force, Captain Denis Raymond, Chief of the Monaco Delegation to CISM, Colonel Maxime Ivrar, Commander of the Monaco Firefighter Corps, Captain François Etourmy, representing the Commander of the Palace Guard, as well as His Excellency Mr Lorenzo Ravano, Ambassador of Monaco in Germany.
The ceremony also welcomed Jean-Jérôme Perrin-Mortier, Director General of Peace and Sport, representing its President Mr Joël Bouzou, underlining the strong partnership between CISM and the organization.
Among the international and invited authorities present were Major General Giani Gola, CISM Honorary President, Mr Idervânio da Silva Costa, representative of the Brazilian Ministry of Defense, Lieutenant General Saikhanbayar Gursed, advisor to the Mongolian Ministry of Defense, Colonel Roberto Marroquín Ávila, Mexican observer, Colonel Walter Borghino, ISSF representative, and representatives of the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games 2027 Local Organizing Committee.
The formal proceedings reflected both tradition and symbolism, with the hoisting of the Monaco national flag and the CISM flag, accompanied by their respective anthems, followed by welcome speeches and the awarding of the CISM Order of Merit.
A highlight of the ceremony was the distinction awarded to His Excellency Mr Lorenzo Ravano. Presenting the decoration, the CISM President declared: “Mister Lorenzo Ravano, in the name of CISM, in recognition of your devotion to the cause of sport, and to the ideals of CISM, I make you Grand Officer in the Meritorious Order of CISM.”
In his address, the CISM President placed strong emphasis on the unifying role of military sport in today’s global context. “We meet at a time when the world continues to face complex challenges,” he stated. “In such moments, the role of institutions like ours becomes increasingly relevant.”
Highlighting the tangible impact of CISM’s activities, he added: “Every competition organized, every dialogue, every handshake between athletes contributes to something larger than just sport. It contributes to world stability. It contributes to mutual understanding. It contributes to world peace.”
He also reaffirmed the essence of the organization’s mission, noting that “Friendship through Sport is not only a slogan. It is a commitment renewed in every activity, on every continent, in every interaction among our members.”
The ceremony concluded with the opening declaration delivered by His Excellency Mr Christophe Mirmand, who officially launched the event. Following his address, he formally stated: “I declare the CISM Board of Directors Meeting opened,” marking the official start of the Assembly’s proceedings.
Following the ceremony, participants attended the Peace and Sport Conference, which included the broadcast of a “Sport and Peace” film and an interactive session with Marie Bochet and Pascal Gentil. Bochet, a multiple Paralympic champion in alpine skiing, and Gentil, a double Olympic bronze medallist in taekwondo, shared insights on resilience, inclusion and the power of sport as a driver for dialogue and social cohesion.
The afternoon was dedicated to continental meetings, bringing together Africa, Europe, Asia and America to discuss regional priorities and strengthen cooperation. The day concluded with the official opening dining cocktail reception, offering a moment of exchange in a spirit of camaraderie among the CISM family.
On Tuesday, 5 May, institutional activities continued with a press conference involving the CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim, the Vice President Europe Colonel Dirk Schwede, the Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia and the Chief of Delegation of Monaco to CISM Captain Denis Raymond, highlighting the importance of the Assembly and Monaco’s commitment to military sport.
A key moment of the day was the military ceremony held at the Prince’s Palace, attended by all delegations. The CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim and Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia were also received in audience by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, underlining the strong ties between CISM and the Principality of Monaco. The official photo followed, capturing this unique gathering of the international military sport community.
The afternoon turned towards sport and interaction, with a Rugby 7s tournament featuring Monaco and French teams, alongside initiation activities for CISM delegates, offering a concrete expression of “Friendship through Sport” on the field.
As the programme continues, attention now turns to Wednesday, 6 May, when the CISM Congress 2026 will take place throughout the day, representing a key moment for discussions, decisions and the future direction of the organization.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: CISM HQ and Orchestre des Carabiniers du Prince)
Monaco celebrates unity and dialogue as the 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress officially opens
MONACO (MON) – The 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress reached a major milestone on 4 and 5 May 2026, as the official opening ceremony and key institutional activities brought together the global military sport community in the Principality of Monaco.
Following three days of preparatory meetings, the event entered its ceremonial and public phase, highlighting the core values of the International Military Sports Council: dialogue, cooperation and “Friendship through Sport”.
On Monday morning, the Opening Ceremony took place in the prestigious Salle d’Or, gathering CISM authorities, representatives from 81 nations and distinguished guests. The ceremony was held in the presence of His Excellency Mr Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State of Monaco, alongside Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, CISM President, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Secretary General, and Colonel Dirk Schwede, CISM Vice President Europe.
Representing the host nation’s military and institutional authorities were Colonel Tony Varo, Superior Commander of the Monaco Public Force, Captain Denis Raymond, Chief of the Monaco Delegation to CISM, Colonel Maxime Ivrar, Commander of the Monaco Firefighter Corps, Captain François Etourmy, representing the Commander of the Palace Guard, as well as His Excellency Mr Lorenzo Ravano, Ambassador of Monaco in Germany.
The ceremony also welcomed Jean-Jérôme Perrin-Mortier, Director General of Peace and Sport, representing its President Mr Joël Bouzou, underlining the strong partnership between CISM and the organization.
Among the international and invited authorities present were Major General Giani Gola, CISM Honorary President, Mr Idervânio da Silva Costa, representative of the Brazilian Ministry of Defense, Lieutenant General Saikhanbayar Gursed, advisor to the Mongolian Ministry of Defense, Colonel Roberto Marroquín Ávila, Mexican observer, Colonel Walter Borghino, ISSF representative, and representatives of the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games 2027 Local Organizing Committee.
The formal proceedings reflected both tradition and symbolism, with the hoisting of the Monaco national flag and the CISM flag, accompanied by their respective anthems, followed by welcome speeches and the awarding of the CISM Order of Merit.
A highlight of the ceremony was the distinction awarded to His Excellency Mr Lorenzo Ravano. Presenting the decoration, the CISM President declared: “Mister Lorenzo Ravano, in the name of CISM, in recognition of your devotion to the cause of sport, and to the ideals of CISM, I make you Grand Officer in the Meritorious Order of CISM.”
In his address, the CISM President placed strong emphasis on the unifying role of military sport in today’s global context. “We meet at a time when the world continues to face complex challenges,” he stated. “In such moments, the role of institutions like ours becomes increasingly relevant.”
Highlighting the tangible impact of CISM’s activities, he added: “Every competition organized, every dialogue, every handshake between athletes contributes to something larger than just sport. It contributes to world stability. It contributes to mutual understanding. It contributes to world peace.”
He also reaffirmed the essence of the organization’s mission, noting that “Friendship through Sport is not only a slogan. It is a commitment renewed in every activity, on every continent, in every interaction among our members.”
The ceremony concluded with the opening declaration delivered by His Excellency Mr Christophe Mirmand, who officially launched the event. Following his address, he formally stated: “I declare the CISM Board of Directors Meeting opened,” marking the official start of the Assembly’s proceedings.
Following the ceremony, participants attended the Peace and Sport Conference, which included the broadcast of a “Sport and Peace” film and an interactive session with Marie Bochet and Pascal Gentil. Bochet, a multiple Paralympic champion in alpine skiing, and Gentil, a double Olympic bronze medallist in taekwondo, shared insights on resilience, inclusion and the power of sport as a driver for dialogue and social cohesion.
The afternoon was dedicated to continental meetings, bringing together Africa, Europe, Asia and America to discuss regional priorities and strengthen cooperation. The day concluded with the official opening dining cocktail reception, offering a moment of exchange in a spirit of camaraderie among the CISM family.
On Tuesday, 5 May, institutional activities continued with a press conference involving the CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim, the Vice President Europe Colonel Dirk Schwede, the Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia and the Chief of Delegation of Monaco to CISM Captain Denis Raymond, highlighting the importance of the Assembly and Monaco’s commitment to military sport.
A key moment of the day was the military ceremony held at the Prince’s Palace, attended by all delegations. The CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim and Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia were also received in audience by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, underlining the strong ties between CISM and the Principality of Monaco. The official photo followed, capturing this unique gathering of the international military sport community.
The afternoon turned towards sport and interaction, with a Rugby 7s tournament featuring Monaco and French teams, alongside initiation activities for CISM delegates, offering a concrete expression of “Friendship through Sport” on the field.
As the programme continues, attention now turns to Wednesday, 6 May, when the CISM Congress 2026 will take place throughout the day, representing a key moment for discussions, decisions and the future direction of the organization.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: CISM HQ and Orchestre des Carabiniers du Prince)
