First day of the CISM Board of Directors Meeting 2025/3 convened in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI (UAE) – The first day of the Board of Directors Meeting of the International Military Sports Council (CISM) kicked off today, October 16, in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, with the participation of the CISM Board members and representatives of member nations. The meeting, hosted at the Dusit Thani Hotel, serves as a prelude to the upcoming CISM International Scientific Symposium, to be held from October 20 to 22, 2025, under the theme “Physical Readiness and Resilience in the Armed Forces: Challenges and Future Outlook.” The event is organized 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 began with a welcoming address delivered by Brigadier Ayoub Buti Al Falasi, Chief of the UAE Delegation to CISM, who expressed his pride in hosting this important meeting. “It is a great honour to welcome you all to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, which is hosting this third CISM Board of Directors Meeting,” he said. “By hosting this meeting, the UAE shows its strong commitment to building relationships and sharing ideas and experiences in military sports.” He went on to emphasize that military sports are not only about competition but also about human connection, declaring: “Military sports are not only about competition; they are a human bridge that connects nations and builds discipline, teamwork, and mutual respect. True strength lies not only in military power but in developing people and building cooperation based on respect and understanding.”

CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho then took the floor to deliver his opening remarks, warmly thanking the United Arab Emirates for its hospitality and strong support to the CISM family. “Our gathering here today reaffirms the power of sport to unite the armed forces of the world under the banner of friendship and peace,” he said. “Through dialogue, transparency, and shared values, we continue to build a stronger, more resilient CISM community.”

The day’s agenda featured a series of important reports and presentations. Colonel Rolim Filho presented the President’s Communication, highlighting the progress of CISM’s ongoing strategic initiatives, institutional development, and partnerships with International Federations. This was followed by the report of the Secretary General, Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, who outlined the latest administrative, financial, and operational developments at CISM Headquarters. The Board then heard the continental reports from Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe, which offered insight into recent regional activities, challenges, and perspectives on the growth of military sports worldwide.

The discussions then turned to the upcoming CISM Games. Delegates reviewed the evaluation report of the 5th CISM Winter Games held earlier this year in Lucerne, Switzerland, and examined the current status of preparations for the 8th CISM Military World Summer Games to be organized in Charlotte, United States, in 2027. Updates were also provided on future editions of the CISM Games, including the 5th World Cadet Games scheduled for 2026, the 6th Winter Games in 2029, and the 9th Summer Games in 2031.

A highlight of the first day was the presentation by Colonel Arman Abeuov, Chief of the Kazakh Delegation to CISM, who introduced the concept and vision of Kazakhstan as the host country for the next CISM World Cadet Games in 2026. Following his presentation, a formal contract signing ceremony took place between CISM and the Kazakh Delegation, marking the official confirmation of Kazakhstan as host nation.

The first day concluded with an emphasis on unity, cooperation, and the continued promotion of friendship through sport among the armed forces of the world. In his closing remarks, Colonel Rolim Filho reaffirmed CISM’s mission: “The essence of CISM lies in our ability to transform competition into collaboration and rivalry into respect. As we look toward the Symposium and our future events, we reaffirm that friendship through sport remains our greatest strength.”

The Board of Directors will continue its sessions in the coming days, paving the way for strategic discussions and new initiatives to enhance the role of military sport as a bridge of cooperation and understanding among armed forces around the globe.

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department and UAE Delegation to CISM)