CISM Board of Directors Meeting 2025/3 - Summary News
ABU DHABI (UAE) – The third CISM Board of Directors Meeting of 2025 unfolded in Abu Dhabi from 16 to 18 October, bringing together senior CISM authorities, Board members, and representatives from across the world for three days of strategic dialogue and institutional planning. Hosted at the Dusit Thani Hotel, the meeting was held ahead of the CISM International Scientific Symposium and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence.
The opening session set a tone of unity and shared purpose. Brigadier Ayoub Buti Al Falasi, Chief of the UAE Delegation to CISM, welcomed participants by emphasizing the UAE’s pride in hosting this high-level gathering and reiterating the nation’s commitment to strengthening military sports diplomacy. He reminded the audience that military sport goes far beyond competition, describing it as a “human bridge” built on teamwork, discipline, and mutual respect.
CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho echoed these sentiments in his opening remarks, expressing deep gratitude for the UAE’s hospitality and reaffirming the power of sport to foster dialogue and peace among the armed forces. He highlighted how transparency, shared values, and collaborative decision-making continue to shape a stronger global military sports community.
The agenda of the first day focused on governance, operational updates, and strategic planning. CISM President Rolim Filho presented his Communication Report, outlining the progress of ongoing reforms and partnerships with International Federations. Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia followed with an overview of administrative, financial, and operational developments at Headquarters. Continental reports from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe provided a global overview of recent achievements and upcoming priorities across all regions.
A notable moment was the review of major CISM Games. Delegates evaluated the recent 5th CISM Winter Games in Lucerne and received updates on preparations for the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games scheduled in Charlotte in 2027. Discussions also covered future editions, including the 5th World Cadet Games in 2026, the 6th Winter Games in 2029, and the 9th Summer Games in 2031. The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation delivered by Colonel Arman Abeuov, Chief of the Kazakh Delegation, who introduced Kazakhstan’s concept and vision for the 2026 World Cadet Games. A contract-signing ceremony formalized Kazakhstan’s selection as host nation.
The second and third days of the meeting, held on 17 and 18 October, were dedicated to institutional decisions shaping CISM’s trajectory in the coming year. CISM Treasurer General Colonel Sven Serré presented the financial report, confirming the organization’s strong financial standing while stressing the importance of transparent and efficient management. The Board then reviewed the work of the CISM Commissions—Regulations, Strategy, Sports, Finance and Budget, Solidarity, and Sports Science—each highlighting progress linked to the modernization and professionalization of the organization.
The Academic Department introduced two key initiatives: the Commandant Raoul Mollet Award, recognizing outstanding academic and scientific contributions to military sport, and the establishment of the Wise Pen Advisory Panel, which will bring together leading experts to support research and policy development on physical readiness and resilience.
Forward-looking discussions on 18 October addressed proposed amendments to the CISM Regulations, the revision of Standard Operating Procedures for Board meetings, and the approval of the CISM Sports Calendar 2025–2026 along with the organization’s Five-Year Plan. Additional topics included the Athlete of the Year procedure, the Military Challenge evaluation, and proposed revisions to Shooting Regulations. The session also saw the presentation of the Headquarters Departments’ Report and the signing of the contract for the next Board Meeting 2026/1.
The meeting concluded with an official Closing Ceremony attended by senior UAE authorities and CISM leadership. During the ceremony, several officers were decorated as Knights of the CISM Order of Merit in recognition of their outstanding contributions to military sport. President Rolim Filho expressed heartfelt thanks to the UAE for its impeccable hospitality and praised the clarity, professionalism, and spirit of cooperation that marked the sessions. He underlined that the discussions held—from evaluating past Games to planning the upcoming 8th Military World Summer Games in the USA—were “thorough, forward-looking, and driven by our shared commitment to excellence.”
A symbolic handover of the CISM flag followed, with Colonel Rolim Filho transferring it to Lieutenant Colonel Víctor Antolín Lopez, Chief of the Spanish Delegation, whose nation will host the next Board Meeting 2026/1 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria from 15 to 21 February 2026.
As the Board meeting came to a close, CISM activities in Abu Dhabi continued seamlessly with the opening of the CISM International Scientific Symposium 2025 on October 20, dedicated to the theme “Physical Readiness and Resilience in the Armed Forces: Challenges and Foreseeing the Future.” The week ultimately reinforced CISM’s mission to use sport as a bridge of cooperation and mutual understanding among the armed forces of the world.
 | First day of the CISM Board of Directors Meeting 2025/3 convened in Abu Dhabi |
 | CISM Board of Directors Meeting 2025/3 concludes in Abu Dhabi |
(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department and UAE Delegation to CISM)
