The aquatics sports community experienced a historic moment on Tuesday with the opening of World Aquatics’ provisional office in Budapest, Hungary. Led by President Husain Al-Musallam and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, the ceremony was attended by notable athletes, including Olympic swimmer Chad le Clos, water polo medalist Felipe Perrone, and double Olympic medalist Pernille Blume. This event represents an important step in World Aquatics’ transition to its new headquarters in Hungary’s capital, forecasting a promising future for the organization and the global aquatics community.
The decision to relocate World Aquatics’ headquarters from Lausanne to Budapest was voted on at the 2023 World Aquatics General Congress in Fukuoka. Choosing Budapest as the new headquarters highlights the organization’s commitment to bringing athletes closer to their fans, taking advantage of the city’s exceptional aquatic facilities. Known for its history of hosting high-level aquatics events, Hungary is set to host the upcoming 25-meter World Swimming Championships in December, with the championships returning in 2027, reinforcing Budapest’s status as a key city in aquatics sports development.
A NEW ERA FOR AQUATICS SPORTS
With this provisional office, World Aquatics aims to accommodate 25 new staff members who will manage a state-of-the-art content studio. This space is designed to enhance the connection between athletes and fans worldwide, in addition to strengthening the organization’s digital profile. The objective of this new facility is to expand the reach of aquatics sports through innovative digital content that celebrates the skill and dedication of athletes across disciplines.
The opening ceremony included a tour of the facilities led by Al-Musallam and Minister Szijjártó, who cut the ribbon to officially begin this new chapter. After the visit, Al-Musallam emphasized the significance of this provisional headquarters as a milestone towards the final relocation to Budapest. “It is a great honor to be here with Minister Szijjártó and our elite athletes to take this important step for our organization and global community,” he stated.
BUDAPEST, THE CAPITAL OF AQUATIC SPORTS
The decision to move World Aquatics’ headquarters to Budapest is rooted in the city’s track record as a host of high-level aquatics events, such as the World Swimming Championships in 2017 and 2022, and its renowned modern sports facilities, including the Duna Arena and Alfred Hajos National Swimming Stadium. The city has shown its capacity to organize elite competitions that attract the world’s top athletes, solidifying its position as a global center for aquatic sports.
Relocating World Aquatics does not mean a definitive farewell to Lausanne, as the Swiss city will continue to play an important role in the organization’s future. At the 2023 General Congress, members approved the establishment of a World Aquatics Foundation based in Lausanne to promote the development of aquatics sports. Additionally, the Aquatics Integrity Unit, dedicated to overseeing integrity and transparency matters, will also be headquartered in Lausanne.
ETHICAL ADVANCEMENT FOR WORLD AQUATICS
This structure will allow World Aquatics to manage its operations from Budapest while maintaining a solid connection with Lausanne, aligning with the organization’s guiding values of integrity and development. The creation of the foundation and integrity unit reinforces World Aquatics’ commitment to the sustainable and ethical advancement of aquatics sports.
Al-Musallam highlighted that choosing Budapest was not only due to its organizational capacity but also its commitment to sporting excellence. “Budapest has proven to be an exceptional host for our events and athletes, and we are delighted to move forward with a relocation that will help elevate the profile of our aquatics sports,” he affirmed. The inauguration of this office marks a new chapter in World Aquatics’ history, one that promises a future of growth and innovation.
