The FISU World Forum 2024 was officially inaugurated today at the Kino Forum SD “Stjepan Radić” in Zagreb, marking the beginning of an exciting week of activities and discussions. Representatives from the Croatian Academic Sports Federation, the City of Zagreb, and FISU welcomed over 250 students and officials from 48 countries. The opening ceremony was a vibrant display of Croatian culture, featuring traditional dance and inspiring speeches that set the tone for the forum.
Opening Ceremony Highlights
Haris Pavletić, President of the Croatian Academic Sports Federation (HASS), expressed his delight at hosting such a significant event: “I am extremely happy that we are concluding the season with an educational event of this caliber. I want to thank FISU for the opportunity to organize this event, and I’d like to highlight that this year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the FISU World Forum. We believe this is an excellent platform for dialogue and the development of various strategies, and we expect many fruitful discussions.”
Luka Korlaet, Deputy Mayor of Zagreb, and Leonz Eder, President of FISU, also addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of sports in fostering international cooperation and cultural exchange. Verena Burk, FISU Vice-President and Chair of the Education Committee, along with Josip Pavić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Croatia, were among the key speakers who contributed to the opening remarks.
Panel Discussion: Sports Diplomacy and Global Relations
The opening ceremony was followed by a panel discussion titled “Sports Diplomacy and Global Relations: Utilizing University Sports for International Cooperation and Cultural Exchange.” Moderated by Marko Žunić, President of the FISU Forum Zagreb 2024 Organizing Committee, the panel featured prominent figures such as:
- Nikolina Brnjac – Member of the European Parliament and former Minister of Tourism and Sports
- Martin Sinković – Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist in rowing
- Besim Aliti – Secretary General of the Kosovo Olympic Committee
- Damjan Rudež – Former NBA player
The panelists discussed the role of athletes as ambassadors, the importance of dual careers for young student-athletes, and the need for quality education as a foundation for life after sports. They also highlighted the significance of university sports as an “incubator” for elite athletes who often compete in global competitions alongside their academic pursuits.
Looking Ahead
The FISU World Forum 2024 will run until Saturday, August 31, featuring a series of workshops, panel discussions, and cultural exchanges. Participants will engage with expert speakers on topics such as the challenges and opportunities in operationalizing sports diplomacy, diversity, and inclusion in sports. They will also work on independent projects within the forum’s themes and share cultural experiences.
This event not only celebrates the rich history of FISU but also sets the stage for meaningful conversations and collaborations that will shape the future of university sports on a global scale.
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