The IFSC took part in a series of high-level meetings in Lausanne, Switzerland, showcasing its ongoing commitment to good governance, strong communication, and sustainable development within the Olympic Movement.

FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE AT THE ASOIF WORKSHOP

On 1 October, the IFSC participated in the Governance Workshop, organised by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF). The event gathered representatives from more than 30 Olympic sports to exchange best practices and discuss the upcoming sixth review of the ASOIF Governance Task Force (GTF).

A key moment of the day was the panel discussion on “Supporting and Monitoring National and Continental Federation Governance”, moderated by Giuseppe Deleonardis, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer at the IOC and member of the ASOIF GTF. The discussion featured Erica Ricci, IFSC Head of General Affairs, alongside Clare Barrell of World Rugby and Marco Ienna of the World Baseball Softball Confederation.

During her intervention, Ricci presented the IFSC’s upcoming initiative to review the governance of its National Federations through a self-assessment framework. The project aims to strengthen accountability, transparency, and partnership within the climbing community, ensuring that all National Federations are equipped to support the sport’s rapid growth and Olympic ambitions.

The panel explored a range of governance models, including World Rugby’s categorisation system and WBSC’s continental governance reviews, underlining shared challenges such as aligning standards across continents and ensuring meaningful capacity-building.

SHARING COMMUNICATIONS BEST PRACTICES AT OLYMPIC HOUSE

On 1 and 2 October, the IFSC joined the IOC Communications Workshop at the Olympic House, attended by over 70 communications professionals from International Federations, National Olympic Committees, and Organising Committees. The event featured dynamic sessions on storytelling, innovation, and collaboration ahead of future Olympic Games.

As part of the workshop, three Summer IFs and four NOCs were invited to present their best media practices from Paris 2024, with the IFSC among those selected. IFSC Media & Communications Director Fabrizio Rossini showcased the visual appeal of Speed Climbing for Gen Z audiences and highlighted the Federation’s approach to sustainability and legacy communication during the Games.

These contributions reinforced the IFSC’s strong engagement in both governance and communications, reflecting its commitment to transparency, innovation, and collaboration with other sports bodies.

NEXT UP IN LAUSANNE

Later this month, the IFSC will return to Lausanne for further IOC meetings. On 29 October, at the Environmental and Social Sustainability meeting organised by the IOC Corporate & Sustainable Development Department and Gender Equality & Diversity Unit, IFSC Research & Development Director Silvia Verdolini will present “Gender Balance in International Technical Officials (ITOs) – Priority for LA 2028”.

In line with the IOC’s strategic goal to advance gender equality and diversity, the IFSC has been revising its Officials’ Pathway of Education since October 2023. This reform aims to standardise training, certification, and progression for judges and routesetters across all continents, ensuring equitable access and better regional representation.

On 30 and 31 October, Naama Constantini, Chair of the IFSC Medical & Anti-Doping Commission, will address the IF Chief Medical Officer meeting organised by the IOC Medical and Scientific Department. Her presentation, titled “Beyond the Physical: The IFSC REDs Policy Supporting Athlete Mental Health”, will highlight the Federation’s pioneering efforts to protect athlete well-being through holistic, athlete-centred policies.

Now in its second year, the IFSC REDs policy continues to demonstrate how innovative approaches can safeguard both the physical and mental health of climbers, setting a valuable example for other sports to follow.

Through its active participation across multiple forums, the IFSC reaffirmed its dedication to advancing integrity, accountability, gender balance, and athlete welfare throughout the global climbing community and the Olympic Movement.