Strengthening international ties through military sports: CISM hosts its first cohesion activity in Brussels

BRUSSELS (BEL) – The International Military Sports Council (CISM) launched a major initiative on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, by organizing its first sports cohesion activity for Defence Attachés. Held in close collaboration with the Foreign Defence Attachés Office of Belgium, the event represents a significant step forward in CISM’s efforts to strengthen international relations through the shared values of military sport.

The day began at the CISM Headquarters, where participants attended a presentation on CISM’s global mission and its contribution to military diplomacy. The session highlighted the organization’s role as a platform for cooperation, dialogue, and mutual understanding among armed forces.

Defence Attachés from Austria, Belgium, Colombia, France, Great Britain, Indonesia, Japan, Mali, Morocco, the Netherlands, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Serbia, and Egypt took part in the activity. Around thirty participants attended, reflecting the diversity and international reach of the foreign military diplomatic community accredited in Belgium.

The sporting activities took place at the Royal Military Academy, where participants engaged in a program designed to foster teamwork and strengthen interpersonal connections. Workshops included cardio and strength exercises, precision activities such as shooting, and ended with a team sport. Mixed-nationality teams allowed close collaboration among representatives from different countries. The atmosphere quickly became dynamic and positive, with teamwork, encouragement, and good humor defining the morning.

A standing lunch at the Royal Military Academy allowed exchanges to continue in a relaxed and friendly environment. Discussions highlighted the value of this initiative and the importance of informal settings where military representatives can interact, share perspectives, and build trust.

This first edition was widely appreciated and demonstrated the potential of combining sport and diplomacy in a single event. CISM now plans to make the cohesion day an annual recurring activity within its cooperation framework with the Defence Attachés community.

Through this initiative, CISM reaffirmed its commitment to promoting friendship, solidarity, and understanding among nations. The first cohesion day in Brussels stands as a successful example of how military sport can unite cultures and strengthen international ties in a constructive and meaningful way.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department)