EUSA-FISU Strategic Dialogue, aimed to connect, motivate and enable university sport stakeholders in Europe to gain better insights of their needs and realities, and how to effectively work together towards development of university sport.

The event is held as a cooperation initiative of the European University Sports Association (EUSA) and the International University Sports Federation (FISU), and was held at the occasion of the EUSA General Assembly.

Following the welcome addresses by EUSA President Adam Roczek and FISU Acting President Leonz Eder, an introduction presentation focusing on the importance of good governance and fair play was given by Sevim Gullu, Scientific Board Member of the European Fair Play Movement (EFPM).

The main part of the event featured two panel discussions, in which the representatives of the international, continental and national university sports bodies shared their perspectives, cases of good practice and plans.

The first panel focused on the future perspectives of university sports, discussing the current achievements and main challenges of university sport and opportunities for the future. Panellists were EUSA President Adam Roczek, FISU Acting President Leonz Eder, FISU America President Alim Maluf Neto, FASU Secretary General Penninah Kabenge and AUSF Representative Jin Liu. The discussion was moderated by Lorenz Ursprung. 

The discussion revealed different realities between the continental organisations, revealing unique approaches and strategies the organisations are developing to be able to operate, organise events and activities, as well as how to tackle challenges of future development. Important topics, including financing, inclusion, organisation and good governance in general were highlighted in the discussion.

The second main focus of the dialogue was the topic of sustainability of the International and European university sport events. Four organisations contributed to the panel - Tarmo Jaakson from Estonia representing FISU, Andreas Csonka from Switzerland representing EUSA, Peter Juhasz from Hungary representing MEFS and Francis Cirianni from Italy representing FederCUSI. The discussion was moderated by Natasa Jankovic.

Although the topic of sustainability is a ever-present buzz word in the business, as well as sports, educational and private spheres, the panellists pointed out different starting levels, expectations and approaches how to reduce carbon emissions and footprint, making the sports world and sports events greener and more sustainable. Different approaches were presented, with key outcomes that we must not forget about the implementation of the strategies and plans.

Apart from the contribution by the panellists and moderators, the audience also had an opportunity to contribute to the debate with questions and comments. 

One of the final conclusions of the event was that different approaches and variety of strategies are welcome, using the synergies and respecting the specifics, eventually leading to the same goals.

A #BeActive sightseeing tour of Ephesus followed the Dialogue in the afternoon, emerging the participants in the local culture and having an opportunities to further discuss the topics in an informal and social way. The EUSA-FISU Strategic Dialogue was hosted by the Türkiye University Sports Federation, and was supported by FISU. EUSA events in Kusadasi will continue this evening with the EUSA Awards Ceremony and Gala.