CISM Board of Directors Meeting 2025/3 concludes in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI (UAE) – The CISM Board of Directors Meeting 2025/3, held from October 16 to 18 in the United Arab Emirates, concluded with three days of constructive exchanges, strategic planning, and renewed unity within the International Military Sports Council. Chaired by CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, the meeting gathered the members of the Board, CISM officials, and distinguished guests to review key governance, academic, financial, and sporting priorities that will guide the organization in the coming year.
The second and third sessions, held on October 17 and 18, were marked by fruitful discussions and institutional decisions. The Board began with the follow-up of the Emergency Board’s record of decisions and the presentation of the financial report by CISM Treasurer General Colonel Sven Serré, who outlined CISM’s strong financial standing and the importance of maintaining transparent and efficient management across all projects and events.
The day continued with the reports of the CISM Commissions (Regulations, Strategy, Sports, Finance and Budget, Solidarity, and Sports Science), each highlighting significant progress and actions supporting the modernization and professionalization of the organization.
The Academic Department also presented two major initiatives: the Commandant Raoul Mollet Award, celebrating excellence in academic and scientific contributions to military sport, and the establishment of the Wise Pen Advisory Panel, which will reinforce CISM’s expertise through collaboration with leading academics and experts in the field of physical readiness and resilience.
The final day, on October 18, was forward-looking, with discussions centered on the evolution of CISM’s regulations, the strategic development of its sports calendar, and the preparations for the upcoming 80th CISM General Assembly and Congress.
The Board examined the amendment proposals to the CISM Regulations, reviewed the new Standard Operating Procedures for Board meetings, and approved the CISM Sports Calendar 2025–2026 as well as the organization’s Five-Year Plan.
Further deliberations focused on the Athlete of the Year procedure, the Military Challenge evaluation, and proposed amendments to the Shooting Regulations, demonstrating CISM’s ongoing efforts to harmonize its rules and maintain the highest standards in international military sport.
The day also featured the presentation of the CISM Headquarters Departments’ Report, the signing of the contract for the organization of the next CISM Board of Directors Meeting 2026/1, and the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Egyptian Armed Forces Sports Agency, highlighting the Council’s continuous expansion of institutional partnerships.
The meeting concluded with an impressive Closing Ceremony, attended by Major General Khalifa Al Hamli, Director of the Office of His Highness the Minister of Defense; Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, President of the International Military Sports Council; Major General Rashid Al-Dosari, CISM Vice President for Asia; Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Secretary General; and Brigadier General Staff Ayoob Buti Al Falasi, Chief of the United Arab Emirates Delegation to CISM.
The ceremony included the presentation of the CISM Order of Merit, honoring those who contributed to the successful organization of the meeting and to the global development of military sport. The following officers were decorated as Knights of the CISM Order of Merit: Colonel Sultan Saeed Salem Alteneiji, Colonel Doctor Hashel Altunaiji, Major Mohammed Abdulla Ali Almehrzi, Captain Ghadeer Hasan Ali Alhosani, and Captain Abdulla Mohammad Saeed Alaméri.
During the event, Major General Khalifa Al Hamli officially declared the opening of the third session of the 2025 Board of Directors Meeting, before CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho delivered his closing speech, in which he praised the collective achievements of the past days: “Over these last days, we have fulfilled our statutory responsibilities and advanced important conversations that will guide CISM in the years ahead. The discussions held were marked by clarity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. From the evaluation of the 5th Military World Winter Games in Switzerland to the planning for the 8th Military World Games in the USA, our deliberations have been both thorough and forward-looking.”
The President also expressed his gratitude to the host country and all participants, stating: “This meeting has reaffirmed the strength of our community built on trust, professionalism, and the belief that sport can be a powerful tool for peace and cooperation. Thank you once again to the United Arab Emirates Delegation to CISM and to all the authorities for your generous hospitality and impeccable organization that allowed the BoD to work perfectly.”
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic handover of the CISM flag from Colonel Rolim Filho to Lieutenant Colonel Víctor Antolín Lopez, Chief of the Spanish Delegation to CISM, host of the next CISM Board of Directors Meeting 2026/1, to be held in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, from 15 to 21 February 2026.
In a gesture of institutional continuity, the contract for the organization of this upcoming meeting was officially signed during the session, marking the next step in CISM’s operational and diplomatic calendar.
As the Board meeting concluded, CISM activities in Abu Dhabi continued with the CISM International Symposium 2025, opening on Monday, October 20, under the theme “Physical Readiness and Resilience in the Armed Forces: Challenges and Foreseeing the Future.”
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department and UAE Delegation to CISM)
