LAUSANNE, Switzerland – Hundreds of decision-makers from the international sports community are gathering in Lausanne today (28 November) for the start of the International Federation (IF) Forum 2022, which will provide a platform for vital discussions about safe sport, sustainability, and human rights.
Starting today at 17:00 CET, the two-day event at the Olympic Museum, situated on the banks of Lac Leman, will focus on topics which have become essential for IFs to incorporate into every aspect of their operations and strategies.
David Grevemberg CBE, Chief Innovation and Partnerships Officer, Centre for Sport and Human Rights, will give an opening keynote on human rights, before a keynote on sustainability by Dale Vince, Chairman of EFL League One football club Forest Green Rovers – recognised by the UN as the world’s first carbon neutral team.
These keynotes will follow addresses by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and Ivo Ferriani, President of SportAccord. There will also be host welcomes by Christelle Luisier Brodard, State Councillor, Department of Institutions, Territory and Sport, Canton of Vaud; and Émilie Moeschler, Vice-Mayor, Sport and Social Cohesion Direction, City of Lausanne.
Day two will begin with opening remarks by SportAccord Acting Managing Director Martin Gibbs at 09:00 CET tomorrow (29 November) to herald a packed agenda of presentations, panels, case studies and Q&As covering subjects ranging from climate action to human rights.
Participants in the sessions will include Alan Gilpin, CEO, World Rugby, Kirsty Burrows, Senior Manager, Safe Sport Unit, IOC; Gymnastics Ethics Foundation Director Alex McLin; and Sam Barrett, Chief, Environmental Education and Youth Unit, United Nations Environment Programme.
There will also be expert perspectives provided by Kady Kanouté Tounkara OLY, Chair of WADA’s Education Committee and a Member of ANOCA Athletes’ Commission; British Fencing CEO Georgina Usher; Alexandra Rickham, Head of Sustainability, World Sailing; and Riikka Rakic, Head of Sustainability, International Biathlon Union.
“The theme of the IF Forum 2022 is ‘International Federation Impact – Safe Sport and Sustainable Development’ – and it could not be more timely for the international sporting community,” SportAccord President Ivo Ferriani said.
“This is the first time since 2019 that sport’s key organisations are able to meet in person for the IF Forum, and this year’s edition will provide an unmissable opportunity for attendees to engage with other stakeholders and share insight on the importance for IFs to show leadership on these crucial issues for the future of sport.”
The IF Forum 2022 is bringing together over 350 leaders from more than 125 International Federations, Presidents, CEOs, and Senior Managers meeting face-to-face in a relaxed environment to enable first-class networking and knowledge-exchange opportunities.
The IF Forum is supported by the City of Lausanne, Canton of Vaud, Marsh, OnePlan, and Sport Event Denmark.
In addition, the IF Forum receives the full support of the International Olympic Committee.
Further details about the IF Forum’s conference programme, including speakers and participants, can be found at https://www.sportaccord.sport/iff-2024b/ and for media enquiries please contact [email protected].
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EDITOR’S NOTES
The International Federation (IF) Forum
The IF Forum takes place annually and targets the specific needs of Olympic and International Sports Federations with a focus on sharing best practices and knowledge.
The event is organised by SportAccord and is open to International Sports Federation members from ASOIF (Association of Summer Olympic International Federations), AIOWF (Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations), ARISF (Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations), AIMS (Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport) and GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations) and its Associate Members.
