Lausanne, Switzerland – 29 October 2025
ISMF participated in the 2025 IF Forum in Lausanne (27–29 October), joining leaders from across the Olympic Movement to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration ahead of a new phase for international sport.
Organised by SportAccord, the IF Forum is an annual, invitation-only gathering of International Federations and Olympic stakeholders, held at the Olympic Museum. This year’s theme, “The New Global Reality in Sport,” explored how federations can remain agile and relevant amid rapid change.
ISMF President Regula Meier, General Secretary Jordi Canals, and General Director Ramone Cooper represented ISMF throughout the week. The Forum opened with an address from IOC President Kirsty Coventry, who called on all federations to work together to protect athletes, uphold shared values, and innovate for the future.
Sessions explored commercial innovation, women’s sport and visibility, year-round relevance for federations, and future-focused leadership in an evolving global landscape, topics that echo ISMF’s own priorities in governance, athlete welfare, sustainability, and digital transformation.
Alongside the Forum, ISMF took part in the General Assemblies of both the Association of IOC Recognised International Sport Federations (ARISF) and the Winter Olympic Federations (WOF), reinforcing dialogue with peer organisations and ensuring alignment on governance, integrity, and Games preparation. ISMF was also invited to contribute to the IOC-hosted consultation “Fit for the Future,” led by President Coventry, which focused on the evolving role of International Federations within the Olympic ecosystem.
ISMF also attended the annual meeting of sports federations and organisations based in the Canton of Vaud, hosted at the Olympic Museum by the Canton, the City of Lausanne, and the Fondation Lausanne Capitale Olympique. The event, held in the presence of Christelle Luisier Brodard, President of the Vaud Council of State, Grégoire Junod, Mayor of Lausanne, and IOC President Kirsty Coventry, provided an opportunity for local and international federations to exchange updates and strengthen ties within the Olympic Capital’s growing sports community.
Reflecting on the discussions, ISMF President Regula Meier said:
“This week underlined how vital it is for all International Federations to stay connected and forward-looking. For ISMF, it was a chance to listen, exchange, and strengthen our relationships within the Olympic family, particularly as we continue to professionalise and prepare for the opportunities ahead.”
ISMF’s participation highlighted its active role within the Olympic Movement and its ongoing commitment to collaboration, integrity, and athlete-centred governance.