International as Can Be

CISM's quest for international recognition and strengthened visibility cannot succeed if its assets are only its communication policy and its open mind towards the media. It also needs to rely on high-level contacts with government officials, international institutions and major sports federations. And CISM has doubtless covered quite a lot of ground in that direction in recent years. CISM has yearly countless meetings with national governments during world or regional events. Every single General Assembly, every Board meeting provides top CISM officials with an opportunity to meet with the organising country's highest political and sports authorities.

Many privileged links unite the IOC and CISM. Mr Samaranch opened the IOC's doors wide for CISM and it is in no small part thanks to him that CISM is now member of the Olympic family. With his presence, he played an active role in the celebrations of CISM's 50th anniversary and in the opening ceremonies of the first two editions of the Military World Games. The President of CISM is also a permanent member of the International Olympic Truce Foundation. The newly-elected IOC President, Mr Jacques Rogge, has expressed during CISM 2002 Congress in Opatija the purpose of developing practical avenues of co-operation between CISM and IOC.

CISM has also developed in the past common projects with some United Nations Executing Agencies such as UNESCO in the field of the transport of medication or sports furniture to less privileged countries. Since more than a year, CISM has developed active relations with Mr Adolf Ogi, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General on Sport for Development and Peace. At the occasion of CISM Congress in Opatija ( May 2002), Mr Adolph Ogi has expressed officially the willingness of United Nations to launch concrete joint projects
with CISM.

CISM also takes part to the annual General Assembly and Congress of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). It is a wonderful opportunity for CISM to strengthen its contacts with other federations, improve the co-ordination of the international sports programme, develop synergies and study the feasibility of joint projects.

CISM is also part of the Council of Europe Committee for the Development of Sport alongside FIFA, FIBA, GAISF, UEFA, UNESCO, the Dutch and German Olympic Committees, Sport Without Borders and Slovenia (other associations were excused) in the preparation of a project called "Red Balloons". The aim of this initiative is to promote sport in after-crisis situations, for example in refugee camps.

CISM will develop joint projects with Olympic Aid, result of a joint initiative by various governments, foundations, corporations, athletes, IOC members, national Olympic committees and financial partners to develop sports programmes for children in need.