SEOUL, May 10, 2023 – FISU is prioritising legacy and sustainability in its Global Strategy 2027, the Acting President of the global governing body for university sports, Leonz Eder, told the 85th AIPS Congress during his comprehensive presentation at the Grand Ballroom Vendome of Sofitel Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Seoul on May 10. This is “because nowadays if you would like to organise a competition, the host city will ask what will remain for them after they have spent so much money,” Eder said. The FISU Global Strategy 2027 was launched in 2017 at the 35th FISU General Assembly.

SUSTAINABILITY Speaking of sustainability, Eder added that FISU is adhering to the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework with the commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and a 50% reduction by 2030. Some of the actions taken so far includes the creation of FISU legacy and sustainability objectives 2022-2025 and the appointment of members into the FISU Legacy and Sustainability Working Group.

CHENGDU 2021 Meanwhile FISU’s next big event is set to take place from July 28 to August 8, 2023. The Chengdu 2021 Summer World University Games were initially planned for 2021 but had to be postponed due to covid-19 restrictions. Eder explained that although the competition is now being held in 2023 the brand name “Chengdu 2021” is still the same for marketing reasons.

Like many other sports organisations, Covid-19 also heavily affected FISU, leading to the cancellation of some of their key events including the Lucerne 2021 World University Winter Games, which particularly hurt Eder because it was his “baby”. He revealed that 26 million Swiss Franc had already been spent for the event before new restrictions were imposed abruptly in the country, leading to its cancellation.

DUAL CAREER AND HEALTHY CAMPUS This year marks 100 years since the first World University Games in 1923 in Paris. Eder briefly shared the rich history of FISU with the Congress delegates and also outlined all the sports and educational events they organise. He also emphasised that FISU is very passionate about promoting dual career, which encourages athletes to combine their sport and higher education careers. There is also the FISU Healthy Campus programme, which is an initiative aimed at enhancing students' and the campus community's well-being in all aspects. 121 universities from 38 countries have already registered.

PARNERSHIPS Eder spoke about FISU’s cooperation with more than 60 International Federations. The university body was recognised by the IOC in 1961 and is a founding member of GAISF. The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) is part of its line-up of partners, which also includes UNESCO. “AIPS is a very good partner for us and we are very grateful for all you do to promote the values of university sports.”