Monaco concludes a historic week of military sport diplomacy and institutional progress at the 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress

 

 

MONACO (MON) – The Principality of Monaco once again stood at the heart of the international military sport movement on 6 and 7 May 2026, as the final working sessions and official closing activities of the 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress brought together delegates from around the world for two decisive and symbolic days of governance, strategic planning and celebration.

 

Hosted by the Monaco Public Force under the leadership of Captain Denis Raymond, Chief of the Monaco Delegation to CISM, the event gathered representatives from more than 80 nations, members of the CISM Board of Directors, Presidents of Sports Committees and Commissions, and numerous distinguished authorities.

 

Wednesday, 6 May was fully dedicated to the CISM Congress 2026, bringing together the global military sport community for an intensive day of strategic discussions, institutional reporting and future planning for the International Military Sports Council.

 

The Congress officially opened with welcome addresses from CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho and Captain Denis Raymond, Chief of the Monaco Delegation to CISM, followed by an overview of the activities program presented by CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia.

 

 

The morning session focused on institutional and continental reports. The CISM President and Secretary General presented their annual communications and operational reports before delegates received updates from the four continental Vice Presidents representing Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe.

 

Financial governance was another major topic of the Congress. Colonel Sven Serré, CISM Treasurer General, presented the auditors’ report, the 2025 financial results and balance sheet, the proposed 2027 budget, the membership fee categories and the financial framework linked to the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games. The session also included contributions from the Finances and Budget Commission.

 

Delegates also reviewed the updated CISM Strategic Plan, reflecting the organization’s ambition to continue modernizing military sport while strengthening solidarity, visibility and operational support for member nations.

 

A symbolic milestone followed with the official presentation of the 82nd CISM General Assembly and Congress, which will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, in May 2027. The contract signature ceremony between CISM and the Armenian delegation officially confirmed Armenia as the next host nation for the organization’s highest statutory event.

 

 

The afternoon sessions focused heavily on the future of CISM sports, Games and academic development. The Sports Department presented the 2026–2030 sports calendar, CISM support programs and the introduction of new sports within the organization, while the Sports Commission outlined the long-term sports strategy.

 

One of the highlights of the day was the presentation of the 2025 “Friendship through Sport” Trophy, reflecting the core values that continue to unite military athletes worldwide. The Trophy was awarded to the Spanish Delegation to CISM.

 

The Congress then turned its attention to major future events. Delegates received the CISM Coordination Commission Evaluation Report and the final WINOC report on the successful 5th CISM Military World Winter Games Lucerne 2025. Updates were also provided regarding the status of future CISM Games, including detailed presentations on the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games in Charlotte, USA, and the candidacy and vision for the 9th CISM Military World Summer Games 2029 presented by the Qatar delegation.

 

Academic and educational development also played a key role during the Congress. Delegations attended the presentation of the CISM Executive Course and badge awarding ceremony, while the United Arab Emirates delegation presented the upcoming CISM International Symposium 2025. Brazil then officially presented its bid for the 2027 edition of the Symposium, followed by the signature of the bidding agreement with CISM leadership.

 

 

Before the conclusion of the session, the Congress also highlighted the human dimension and continuity of the organization. Newly appointed Presidents of CISM Sports Committees (PCSCs) and new Chiefs of Delegations were officially introduced to the audience, marking the beginning of a new chapter for several member nations and sports disciplines within CISM. At the same time, former PCSCs and outgoing Chiefs of Delegations were warmly recognized and celebrated for their dedication, professionalism and valuable contribution to the development of military sport and the strengthening of the “Friendship through Sport” spirit throughout their mandates.

 

The Congress concluded with a closing address by the CISM President, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to peace, cooperation and “Friendship through Sport” as the military sport movement continues to grow worldwide.

 

On Thursday, 7 May, delegates gathered for the official 81st CISM General Assembly, where important statutory decisions and elections shaped the future leadership of the organization. The Assembly opened with an address from CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, followed by the official roll call conducted by Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia.

 

Delegates proceeded with voting procedures, presentations of decision files and statutory elections for key leadership positions within CISM. During the elections, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia was re-elected as CISM Secretary General, while Colonel Sven Serré was re-elected as CISM Treasurer General, confirming the confidence of the member nations in the current leadership of the organization.

 

 

Another emotional moment came during the farewell ceremony honoring outgoing members of the Board of Directors. Colonel Dirk Schwede, Colonel Nathalie Birgentzlen and Colonel Kletine Ali were officially recognized for their years of commitment, leadership and service to CISM and military sport worldwide.

 

During the General Assembly session, CISM also organized a special Medal Awarding Ceremony to recognize senior leaders of the organization for their dedication and exceptional service to military sport. As recalled during the ceremony, “The CISM Order of Merit Medal is conferred by the Board of Directors to anyone who, by his or her actions, has demonstrated the ideals and goals of CISM and rendered exceptional service to the cause of CISM.”

 

CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho presented the CISM Order of Merit to several key members of the leadership of the organization, including Colonel Dirk Schwede, Vice President Europe, Major General Maikano Abdullahi, Vice President Africa, Major General Delio Colon Rosario, Vice President Americas, Brigadier General Rashid Al-Dosari, Vice President Asia, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Secretary General, and Colonel Sven Serré, CISM Treasurer General.

 

The General Assembly conclude also celebrated sporting excellence through the prestigious 2025 CISM Athlete of the Year Awards. In the female category, Türkiye’s modern pentathlon athlete Cadet İlke Özyüksel was honored for her outstanding achievements and embodiment of CISM values. In the male category, Swiss shooting athlete Private First-Class Gilles Dufaux received recognition after setting a new CISM record in the 300m military rapid-fire rifle discipline.

 

 

Finally, the General Assembly concluded with the presentation of the newly elected Board of Directors Members. Colonel Jure Velepec of Slovenia was elected as the new CISM Vice President Europe. Brigadier Amr Darweish of Egypt was elected as Board of Directors Member for Africa, Brigadier General Catherine Marchetti of Canada was elected as Board of Directors Member for the Americas, while Europe elected Colonel Christian Hess of Switzerland and Commander Florentia Sfakianou of Greece as new Board members.

 

The Closing Ceremony of the 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress, held in the prestigious Salle d’Or in Monaco, followed right after the General Assembly and represented the symbolic culmination of the week-long gathering. In the presence of His Excellency Mr Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State of Monaco, CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim, CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, Colonel Tony Varo, Superior Commander of the Monaco Public Force, and many high-ranking authorities, CISM paid tribute to the Principality of Monaco and all those who contributed to the success of the event.

 

During the Closing Ceremony of the 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress, the International Military Sports Council paid tribute to several distinguished personalities whose dedication and support contributed significantly to the success of the event and to the promotion of military sport and CISM values worldwide.

 

 

CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho officially bestowed the CISM Order of Merit upon His Excellency Mr Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State of Monaco, who received the Commander distinction. Captain Denis Raymond, Chief of the Monaco Delegation to CISM, was awarded the Grand Officer distinction, while Colonel Tony Varo, Superior Commander of the Monaco Public Force, received the Officer distinction.

 

The ceremony also honored Brigadier (TA) Rodolphe Perruchon, Carabinier du Prince, who was awarded the Grand Knight distinction, as well as Adjudant Chef Nicolas Marradi and Maréchal des Logis Chef Cyril Jacob, both decorated with the Knight distinction.

 

This solemn and symbolic moment highlighted the exceptional cooperation between CISM and the Principality of Monaco, while recognizing the commitment of the Monaco authorities and public forces to the ideals of peace, solidarity and “Friendship through Sport.”

 

 

The official Gala Dinner held at the Fairmont Monte Carlo brought together distinguished civil, military and institutional authorities from Monaco and the international military sport community in an atmosphere of prestige, friendship and celebration.

 

Among the high-level personalities present were Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, His Excellency Mr. Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State of Monaco, Mme Yvette Lambin-Berti, Secretary of State of Monaco, and His Excellency Mr. Lorenzo Ravano, Ambassador of Monaco to Germany, accompanied by his spouse. The evening was also attended by Mme Mélanie-Antoinette de Massy, Mr. Louis Ducruet and his spouse, as well as Mr. Jean-Jérôme Perrin-Mortier, representing Peace and Sport, accompanied by his spouse.

 

The CISM delegation was represented at the highest level by Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, President of CISM, accompanied by his spouse, Major General Gianni Gola, CISM Honorary President, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Secretary General, Colonel Sven Serré, CISM Treasurer General, and numerous members of the international military sport leadership.

 

The Monaco Public Force was strongly represented through the presence of Colonel Tony Varo, Superior Commander of the Monaco Public Force and his spouse, Captain Denis Raymond, Chief of the Monaco Delegation to CISM, Lieutenant Colonel Martial Pied, Commander of the Palace Guard and his spouse, as well as Lieutenant Colonel Maxime Yvrard, Commander of the Monaco Firefighter Corps.

 

 

Following his official address, CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho presented a special Plaque of Honor to Captain Denis Raymond, Chief of the Monaco Delegation to CISM, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication throughout the organization of the 81st General Assembly and Congress.

 

One of the most prestigious moments of the evening followed as the CISM President awarded HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco the Grand Officer distinction of the CISM Order of Merit, honoring her commitment to sport, humanitarian values and international solidarity. The ceremony concluded with HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco being officially named Honorary Member of CISM, a symbolic recognition of Monaco’s unwavering support for military sport and the values of peace and friendship promoted by the organization.

 

The activities in Monaco will conclude today, 8 May, with the final cultural program organized for the delegations across the Principality.

 

 

CISM extends its sincere gratitude to the Monaco Authorities, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, HSH Princess Charlene, the Monaco Public Force, Colonel Tony Varo, Captain Denis Raymond and all the volunteers, organizers and partners who contributed to the outstanding success of the 81st CISM General Assembly and Congress.

 

The global military sport family now looks ahead to the 82nd CISM General Assembly and Congress, which will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, from 10 to 18 May 2027, continuing the mission of strengthening peace, solidarity and friendship through sport.

 

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: Orphic Agency)