79th CISM General Assembly and Congress concludes with landmark decisions and celebrations
DAR ES SALAAM (TAN) - The 79th CISM General Assembly and Congress concluded today after six days of intensive meetings, bringing together 300 delegates from 82 countries. The final day began with the General Assembly, featuring a comprehensive agenda focused on organizational governance and the election of new board members.
The opening address by CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim set the tone, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and the diversity of perspectives within CISM. The session proceeded with a roll call by CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, followed by a report from the Commission for the Verification of Credentials. The Assembly validated the 79th CISM General Assembly, approved the agenda, and ratified the minutes of the 78th Assembly.
Key decisions were made, including the approval of Cambodia as the 141st CISM Member Nation. Several elections and re-elections were conducted, resulting in the following notable outcomes: Major-General Maikano Abdullahi (Nigeria) was re-elected as Vice-President Africa, Colonel Sega Sissoko (Mali) was re-elected as a Board of Directors (BoD) Member for Africa, and Air Vice Marshal Simon Nyowani (Zimbabwe) was co-opted as a BoD Member for Africa. Colonel Steven Rosso (USA) was re-elected as a BoD Member for America. In Asia, Senior Colonel Ke Jiao (China) and Lieutenant-Colonel Ghulam Shabbir Anjum (Pakistan) were elected as a BoD Member, while Senior Colonel Oh Yeong Dae (South Korea) was co-opted as a BoD Member.
The assembly also included heartfelt farewells to the CISM Board of Directors Members, PCSC, and Delegates who are leaving the headquarters. In his closing address, CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim acknowledged their contributions and dedication, expressing gratitude for their service to the organization.
The day’s proceedings culminated in a grand closing ceremony, featuring notable figures such as CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim, CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, Honorable Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa, Member of Parliament and Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Honorable Dr. Stergomena Lawrence Tax, Minister of Defence and National Service. The event was also attended by Members of the Board of Directors, General Jacob John Mkunda, Chief of the Tanzanian People’s Defence Forces, Honorary Albert Chalamila, Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Mrs. Neema Msitha, Executive Secretary of the National Sports Council, Major-General Francis Mbindi, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee and Judge Advocate General, PCSC’s, Chiefs of Delegation and delegates, and CISM HQ Staff.
During the ceremony, the title of "Honorary Member" was conferred upon Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The CISM Order of Merit was awarded to 37 individuals, recognizing their significant contributions to the organization and its ideals.
In his closing address, Colonel Nilton Rolim praised the assembly's achievements and reiterated CISM's commitment to inclusivity and gender equity. "The diversity of perspectives—from different sports, cultures, and military backgrounds—enriched our knowledge and will drive us forward," he stated.
CISM President also added: “In closing, let us take the guidelines and the spirit of the 79th Congress and General Assembly back to our countries. By doing so, we can make a meaningful impact and work towards restoring CISM's esteemed status. I kindly request everyone to stand, look at each other, and give a huge, warm round of applause for the hard work and commitment shown by all of us and the organizing committee of the Tanzania Delegation.”
A symbolic moment of the ceremony was the handover of the CISM flag from Brigadier-General Said Hamis Said of Tanzania to Brigadier Thanuja Godewatta of Sri Lanka, marking Sri Lanka as the host for the 80th CISM General Assembly and Congress in 2025.
In the afternoon, the 2nd Session of the Board of Directors Meeting took place, attended by CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim, CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, BoD Members, and CISM HQ personnel. At the beginning of the session, it was announced and saluted by the BoD Members that Colonel Walter Borghino, currently Delegate of the Italian Delegation to CISM, former Board of Directors Member and former President of the CISM Sports Commission, had been nominated by ISSF President Mr. Luciano Rossi as ISSF President Ambassador, with the main task of improving the relationship between CISM and ISSF.
The agenda included a welcome address by President Rolim, who greeted the new Board of Directors members and wished them a successful mandate.
New board members also had the opportunity to introduce themselves, followed by a presentation from Lieutenant-Commander Florentia Sfakianou on the Decision File regarding the CISM Academy and its configuration. The session also covered CISM Department Reports with a Q&A segment, the appointment of CISM Commissions’ Presidents, the official list of CISM Representatives for 2024, and topics resulting from the General Assembly. The meeting concluded with a closing address by President Rolim.
The evening featured a gift exchange and a gala dinner, celebrating the hard work and commitment of all involved. Tomorrow, delegates will enjoy a cultural day with a visit to the beautiful island of Zanzibar, concluding their stay in Tanzania on a high note.
As the 79th General Assembly and Congress of CISM concludes, a heartfelt thank you is extended to the Tanzania Armed Forces, the Tanzanian Government, and all CISM delegates for their hard work and commitment. Their dedication and efforts have ensured the success of this significant event. We look forward to gathering again in 2025 in Sri Lanka for the 80th CISM General Assembly and Congress.
CISM now looks forward to continuing its mission of promoting peace and solidarity through sports, with renewed vigor and a clear vision for the future.
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Tanzanian Armed Forces)
