The first FISU-CUSF Strategic Dialogue was held in Xiamen (CHN) on November 22 and 23, alongside the General Assembly of the Asian University Sports Federation (AUSF).

The event was initiated to strengthen the link between the International University Sports Federation (FISU) and Continental University Sports Federations (CUSF), linking also National University Sport Federations (NUSF) and to promote mutual understanding amongst all stakeholders.



The dialogue attracted over 100 participants from more than 40 countries and regions from Asia, as well as representatives of FISU and Continental Federations. European University Sports Association (EUSA) was represented by Mr Kemal Tamer, EUSA Vice President and Mr Matjaz Pecovnik, EUSA Secretary General.



The dialogue started with opening speeches by Mr Zhong Bingshu, President of Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Mr Oleg Matytsin, FISU President and Mr Xue Yanqing, AUSF President. In his speech, FISU President praised Asia for the contribution in the university sports movement. He emphasized that it is the national university sport federations (NUSF) who shape the direction of FISU. He affirmed that creating a more positive cooperation between the international, national and continental bodies has been set as a priority in FISU’s working plan.



The first part of the dialogue started with plenary sessions. The Plenary I "Direction on the Development of University Sport" was presented by Mr Leonz Eder, FISU First Vice-President, Mr Bayasgalan Danzandorj, FISU Treasurer, Mr Laurent Briel, FISU CDSU Director and Mr Kenny Chow, AUSF Secretary General.



In Plenary II, the theme was “Dynamics of University Sports Development”, and was mainly concerning the funding opportunities and new media. The topics and was presented by FISU Secretary General/CEO Mr Eric Saintrond, AUSF President Mr Yanqing Xue, Chairman of the Board and Founder of Hupu Sports Mr Cheng Hang and deputy Vice Chancellor of MARA University of Technology Mr Abdullah Mohamad Said.



Specific parallel workshops on development of university sports in 5 continental sub-regions, including Central, East, South, Southeast and West Asia, were held in the afternnon of the first day. On the next day, the conclusion reports of parallel workshops by the 5 sub-regional chairs were presented, follwed by the rest of the programme.



In Plenary III, themed “Good Practice of Sports Management at Continental Level,” EUSA Secretary General Mr Pecovnik presented the structure and activities of EUSA, concentrating on the organisation of European Universities Championships and European Universities Games. The representatives of other CUSF and regional organisations also presented their activities.



The event dialogue concluded by the two closing speeches. AUSF President Mr Xue thanked everyone for contributing to the big success of the 1st FISU-CUFS Strategic Dialogue cohosted by FISU and AUSF, also followed by over 100,000 viewers in live broadcasting.



FISU 1st Vice Present Mr Eder re-emphasized the close relation between FISU, CUSF and NUSF regarding activities, strength, demands and challenges. The main goal of this strategic dialogue is to help establish a regular and close communication of university sports development among AUSF and its members with FISU. On behalf of FISU, Mr Eder extended his many thanks to all the speakers, presenters and attendees, and hoped for the next edition of this strategic dialogue in future.



More information about this edition can be found on www.ausf.org and www.fisu.net. EUSA will host the FISU-CUSF Strategic Dialogue together with its next General Assembly, to be held in April 2018 in Madrid, Spain.