The Swiss city of Lausanne, known as the Olympic Capital, will once again host the IF Forum 2025, the flagship annual event organised by SportAccord for International Federations. This in-person, invitation-only forum will take place from 27 to 29 October at the iconic Olympic Museum, bringing together key figures from across the global sports ecosystem.

With over 400 participants expected – including federation leaders, representatives of the International Olympic Committee –IOC–, high-level guests and strategic partners – the forum is set to become a key space for idea exchange and collaboration on the future of international sport.

Lausanne, global capital of sport

The choice of Lausanne as host city for the IF Forum is no coincidence. Since 1915, it has been home to the IOC headquarters and currently hosts nearly 60 International Federations. Through the Lausanne Olympic Capital Foundation, the city promotes a vision of collaboration with academic institutions, start-ups, research centres and specialised service providers.

“The Forum reflects Lausanne’s continued role as a global hub for sport and our commitment to supporting collaboration across the international sports movement,” said Sébastien Griesmar, Director of the Foundation. In this context, the recent election of Kirsty Coventry as the new IOC President marks a “new era for Olympism,” Griesmar added.

A forum to lead through change

The 2025 edition will focus on how International Federations can adapt to global change and lead effectively in an increasingly complex environment. Topics such as geopolitical shifts and accelerating digital transformation will be at the heart of the discussions during the three-day event.

“Lausanne’s mission aligns perfectly with that of the IF Forum: to connect International Federations to a dynamic ecosystem that amplifies their impact,” Griesmar added. The forum offers a unique opportunity to explore shared strategies in response to the evolving challenges of the global sports landscape.

SportAccord: “Lausanne is a meeting point for sport”

For SportAccord, the organiser of the forum, Lausanne represents far more than a geographic base. “Lausanne is more than our home; it is a meeting point for the world of sport,” said Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener, President of SportAccord. With the Maison du Sport International as a physical anchor, the city connects federations with the leading players in global sport.

The IF Forum 2025 reinforces SportAccord’s role as a platform for dialogue, innovation and leadership among International Federations: “Bringing the community together, driving meaningful dialogue, and helping IFs lead with clarity and confidence,” said Prof. Dr. Uğur Erdener.