Representatives from nearly 80 countries have gathered in Monaco this week for the 81st General Assembly of the International Military Sports Council, an international body that promotes peace and cooperation through sport among armed forces worldwide. Held under the High Patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, the event officially opened on Monday, May 4 in the presence of Monaco’s Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, who presided over the opening ceremony.
The assembly, which runs until Saturday, May 9, brings together 79 national delegations for a series of institutional meetings, strategic discussions and conferences centred on the role of sport in diplomacy, international stability and intercultural dialogue.
Among the major themes on this year’s agenda is the connection between sport and peacebuilding, with delegates also participating in sessions linked to the “Peace & Sport” initiative — a long-standing concept closely associated with Monaco’s international outreach.
Beyond diplomatic discussions, the gathering also serves as a key planning platform for upcoming global military sporting events. Delegates are expected to advance preparations for the 2027 Military World Games, scheduled to take place in Charlotte, United States, as well as the 2027 Military Schools World Games in Kazakhstan.
Founded after the Second World War, the International Military Sports Council uses sporting competition as a tool to foster understanding and cooperation between armed forces from different nations under the motto “Friendship through Sport.”
