CISM strengthens international partnerships during high-level meetings in Lausanne

LAUSANNE (SUI) – The International Military Sports Council (CISM) further strengthened its relations with the international sports community through a series of high-level meetings with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and several International Federations, held on 5 and 6 October 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland, on the occasion of the SportAccord Forum 2026.

The CISM delegation, led by CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, accompanied by CISM Secretary General Navy Captain Roberto Recchia and CISM Media and Communication Director David Vandenplas, participated in an extensive programme of bilateral meetings aimed at consolidating existing partnerships, exploring new opportunities for cooperation and reinforcing CISM's position within the international sporting movement.

The programme began on Monday, 5 October, with an online session organised by the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), during which CISM President Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho delivered a presentation introducing CISM to representatives of non-Olympic International Federations. The presentation highlighted CISM's mission, its global network of member nations, its international sporting activities and the opportunities for closer cooperation between military sport and the international sports community.

The afternoon continued with meetings involving the International Fencing Federation (FIE), the International Orienteering Federation (IOF), the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) and United World Wrestling (UWW). Discussions covered the development of existing partnerships, the renewal of cooperation agreements where appropriate, upcoming CISM competitions and opportunities to strengthen technical and institutional collaboration.

On Tuesday, 6 October, one of the highlights of the programme was a meeting with Mr. Pierre Ducrey, Sports Director of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The exchange provided an important opportunity to reinforce the longstanding relationship between CISM and the Olympic Movement, review ongoing cooperation and explore potential areas for future collaboration.

Discussions also addressed the role of military sport within the broader international sporting landscape and the opportunities offered by CISM's worldwide network to promote sporting excellence, solidarity and international cooperation. The meeting highlighted the importance of maintaining close institutional dialogue with the IOC and further developing initiatives that support the shared values of both organisations.

The CISM delegation also emphasised the importance of its international sporting programme, including the upcoming 8th CISM Military World Summer Games, scheduled to take place in Charlotte, United States, from 25 June to 4 July 2027. This major event represents an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the Olympic Movement and International Federations while showcasing the contribution of military athletes to international sport.

Throughout the day, the delegation continued its exchanges with representatives of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM), World Taekwondo (WT), World Archery, the International Golf Federation (IGF), the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB).

These meetings provided opportunities to review ongoing cooperation, advance discussions on existing and potential agreements, and explore future joint initiatives, particularly in view of upcoming CISM World Military Championships and the 2027 Military World Summer Games.

Beyond the individual exchanges, the two-day programme in Lausanne demonstrated CISM's continued commitment to building strong and sustainable relationships with the international sports community. By maintaining regular dialogue with the IOC and International Federations, CISM seeks to enhance the quality of its competitions, facilitate the exchange of expertise and create new opportunities for military athletes worldwide.

These efforts also reflect CISM's ambition to strengthen the connections between military and civilian sport, promoting mutual understanding, solidarity and international friendship through sporting activities.

Through its participation in the SportAccord Forum 2026 and its extensive programme of institutional meetings, CISM continues to reinforce its role as a key stakeholder in the international sporting movement, remaining faithful to its enduring motto, “Friendship through Sport.”

(Source: CISM Media & Communication Department - Pictures: SportAccord Forum 2026 and FIVB)