ISF and FIE Strengthen Cooperation Through a New Multi-Year MoU

Dec. 10, Lausanne, Switzerland — ISF and the International Fencing Federation (FIE) have signed a new multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking an important step forward in their long-standing collaboration and further integrating fencing into the global school sport landscape. The signing took place in Lausanne, with the FIE represented by Interim President Mr. Elhusseiny and Secretary General Mrs. Saidova, and the ISF represented by President Željko Tanasković, Vice President Antônio Hora, and Executive Director Hasnae El Ayoubi.

The renewed partnership sets out a shared vision to further expand fencing opportunities for young people worldwide through international competition, education, and sustainable sport development. Building on fencing’s established presence within the ISF Gymnasiades, both organisations are committed to creating additional pathways for student-athletes at multiple age levels.

A central component of the agreement is the organisation of an ISF World School Fencing Championship in Egypt in 2 years , featuring U15 and U18 categories and anticipating approximately 250 participants. In line with ISF event tradition, the championship will incorporate a Cultural Day and Nations Night in the host country’s capital, offering students an enriching experience that goes beyond sporting competition and fosters intercultural learning.

The MoU also outlines several cooperation pillars, including FIE’s Fencing for the Planet initiative — a programme designed to promote environmental responsibility and global awareness through fencing — as well as joint efforts to support PE teachers’ professional development. Through training courses, coaching workshops, and technical exchanges, both organisations aim to strengthen the capacity of school sport educators and reinforce fencing as an accessible, educational tool for young people around the world.

“This welcome and important agreement between the ISF and the FIE represents our commitment to developing fencing around the world as well as empowering and engaging with younger athletes”, said FIE Interim President El Husseiny, “We want to develop fencing as a sustainable Olympic sport, and for future generations to be able to discover how exciting, rewarding and fulfilling it is for them and their communities.”

By signing for multiple editions of upcoming school fencing events, the ISF and FIE reaffirm their shared commitment to offering sustainable, high-quality opportunities for youth participation in sport. This renewed collaboration reflects a broader ambition to connect the international fencing community with school sport systems, providing more students with the chance to discover the sport, develop life skills, and engage in global exchanges.

The ISF looks forward to working closely with the FIE in the coming years to advance this partnership, enhance youth development through sport and education, and continue expanding safe, inclusive, and inspiring environments for student-athletes worldwide.