Monaco, May 4, 2026 – On the occasion of the 81st General Assembly and Congress of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), Peace and Sport organized a Peace Through Sport Conference at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo Hotel. This event, part of the official CISM program, brought together more than 250 participants from international military delegations around a common goal: to make sport a concrete lever for dialogue and peace.
A space for dialogue between institutions and on-the-ground realities
This initiative is part of Peace and Sport’s advocacy strategy, which positions the organization as a pivotal link between local communities and international decision-making spheres. By facilitating dialogue between these different levels, the organization shares best practices from the field while highlighting the challenges faced by local actors. The goal: to inform more effective policies and actions rooted in operational realities.
The Conference was opened by Colonel Nilton Gomes Rolim Filho, President of the CISM, who highlighted the Council’s historic role in building bridges between nations through sport. He praised the collaboration with Peace and Sport as a key driver contributing to the two organizations’ shared goal: promoting peace through sport.
Committed Athletes at the Heart of the Impact Movement
At the heart of this advocacy and awareness-raising movement, Peace and Sport—through its Champions of Peace Club—supports athletes in strengthening their role as role models and agents of change. Through platforms for expression such as this conference organized as part of the CISM, the Organization helps amplify the impact of their message and their commitment.
Peace Champions Marie Bochet, an eight-time Paralympic alpine skiing champion and 22-time world champion, and Pascal Gentil, a two-time Olympic medalist in taekwondo and three-time world champion, shared their stories. Through their personal journeys, they provided a concrete illustration of the power of sport to foster inclusion and acceptance of others.
Their remarks served as a reminder that athletes, beyond their athletic performance, are role models for younger generations and influential voices capable of inspiring lasting change far beyond the field. The dialogue with the delegations also highlighted the shared values between elite athletes and military personnel: pushing one’s limits, discipline, solidarity, and commitment, reaffirming the power of sport as a universal language and a vehicle for peace.
A Collective Effort for Peace
In closing, Jean-Jérôme Perrin Mortier, CEO of Peace and Sport, emphasized:
“Peace is not built through declarations, but through experiences. And sport is one of the most conducive environments for creating these experiences.”
He reaffirmed the importance of continuing this collective momentum, by leveraging sport not only as a venue for competition, but above all as a tool for dialogue and for building lasting bonds.
The morning concluded with a #WhiteCard group photo bringing together all the delegations in a shared gesture of unity and commitment.
