The International Fencing Federation (FIE) places great importance on dialogue, collaboration and collective action in shaping the future of fencing.
As such, the Federation’s leadership recently participated in a series of key events organised by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), actively contributing to important discussions on themes ranging from governance, sport development and education to women’s leadership and sustainability.
ASOIF General Assembly
On 27 May, FIE Interim President Abdelmoneim ElHusseiny and Secretary General Gulnora Saidova attended the 50th ASOIF General Assembly in Lausanne, Switzerland. The 36 Full and Associate ASOIF Member Federations present discussed the implementation of the new ASOIF Strategy 2026-2032, the sixth review of International Federation (IF) Governance, and preparations for upcoming editions of the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games.
Addressing the participants, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry highlighted the power of sport and emphasised that all stakeholders within the Olympic Movement must work closely together to fully unlock its potential. “If you are not strong and striving, neither are we,” Coventry observed.
Sport Development
Elsewhere, collaboration, innovation and open exchange were features of the highly successful ASOIF Sport Development and Education Commission (ASDEC) workshop held in Lausanne on 5 and 6 May.
Secretary General Gulnora Saidova and Projects and Development Director Elena Murdaca actively participated in the event, which brought together more than 60 participants from 30 IFs for two days of peer exchange and practical discussion on key issues shaping the future of sport development.
Sharing the FIE’s experience and practical perspectives on one of the most important areas for the credibility, development and modernisation of sport, Saidova delivered a presentation on the Federation’s strategic framework for professionalising officiating in fencing. “Refereeing in fencing is not merely officiating – it is an integral part of the sport’s product and image on the world stage,” she said.
Sustainability
Sustainability is one of the core values embedded in the FIE’s Strategic Plan 2025-2028. The Federation’s Fencing for the Planet initiative, designed to align with IOC environmental mandates, aims to reduce the sport’s carbon footprint and promote eco-responsibility through practices such as sustainable event hosting and gear recycling.
As a member of the ASOIF Sustainability Commission (ASC), Secretary General Saidova attended the ASC sustainability workshop in Lausanne on 21 and 22 April. Through expert-led panels and interactive breakout sessions, attendees representing over 30 IFs exchanged insights on critical sustainability challenges facing their organisations, highlighting the collective responsibility of the Olympic Movement to maximise sport’s contribution to sustainability.
Participants reinforced their commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Olympic Agenda 2020+5, with ASC Chair David Graham commenting on the “content-rich discussions that culminated in practical, action-focused outcomes and a clear sense of collective purpose.”
The knowledge and ideas exchanged at the workshop were shared with the FIE Fencing and Environment Working Group, ensuring that strategic discussions at the global level are translated into practical implementation within the Federation.
Gender Equality
With gender equality being a key focus area of the Strategic Plan 2025-2028, the FIE is working to empower women in fencing worldwide by increasing participation, leadership, visibility and opportunities.
Lorena Arroyo, a member of the FIE Women and Fencing Council, represented the Federation at this year’s ASOIF Women Leadership Programme that began on 10 March. The virtual, five-week programme was delivered by trainers from EqualCareers and brought together 40 women from 27 IFs. The programme focused on leadership concepts, the role of digital technologies such as AI, campaigning strategies, narrative development and power centres in sport.
“Developing women leaders is not only about equality and equity,” said Chair of the ASOIF Diversity and Gender Equality Commission (ADGEC) Sabrina Ibáñez. “It’s about unlocking potential, inspiring confidence and equipping talented professionals with the skills to lead with purpose and shape the next chapter of sport.”
Another exciting initiative earlier this year was the FIE women’s coaching seminar that took place from 26 March to 01 April alongside the training camp ahead of the Junior and Cadet Fencing World Championships in Rio de Janeiro.
FIE Women and Fencing Council President Melissa Alvarenga delivered an inspiring presentation on leadership development, and students were congratulated at the closing ceremony by Interim President ElHusseiny, Secretary General Saidova, the presidents of all confederations, and members of the FIE Executive Committee.
Nicaraguan fencing coach Amelia Garcia reflected on her experience at the seminar. “We don’t all speak the same language, but we are human beings with feelings and we all share the same goal of learning and bringing tools back to our countries to improve as fencing coaches in the different disciplines.”
By working hand-in-hand with its Olympic Movement partners at these and other events, the FIE continues to shape the future of fencing while actively contributing to the Olympic principle of “Building a better world through sport.”
