The vibrant city of Lima welcomed university sport leaders from across the continent for two landmark events that reaffirmed the strength, unity, and forward-thinking of university sport in America.
Hosted by San Ignacio de Loyola University (USIL) and the National University Sport Federation of Peru (FEDUP), the FISU America General Assembly was held on 30 October, followed by the 5th FISU–FISU America Strategic Dialogue on 31 October and 1 November.
General Assembly – a milestone of unity and trust
The Assembly began with the speech of FISU America President Alim Maluf Neto, who presented a detailed and ambitious report. He celebrated the Federation’s 18-year journey, including the successful renewal of its Executive Board and Commissions; the creation of innovative events such as FISU America Combat Sports; the strategic digitalisation of operations, including a new competition management system; record participation in Esports and Chess; the grow in quality of the FISU America Games with next edition in Lima 2026, and a historic continental partnership agreement with Molten.
President Alim Maluf Neto emphasised: “Our mission extends beyond competition. We are building a true continental community through inclusion, education, and innovation.”
Following this, FISU President Leonz Eder was invited to take the floor, offering a message of recognition, encouragement, and partnership, referring that “over the past years, FISU America has made remarkable progress in advancing the university sport movement. The quality and scope of your events, and your strong educational and institutional commitment, are now a model within our global community.”
Strategic Dialogue – an action-oriented vision for 2031
Held under the theme “America in Action: Strategies for the Future of University Sport”, the Strategic Dialogue brought together institutional leaders, national federations, and experts to address challenges and shape the future of the university sport movement.
In his keynote intervention, FISU Secretary General and CEO Matthias Remund introduced the FISU Strategy 2031, structured around four strategic pillars: Sport Events, expanding global access and innovation in competition; Education, empowering student-athletes as scholars and leaders; Student Well-Being – with a special focus on Dual Career, health, inclusion, and the Healthy Campus Programme; and Sustainability and Resources, ensuring environmental and financial sustainability in all university sport activities.
Matthias Remund emphasised that the “Strategy 2031 is not just a roadmap, it is a call to collective action. We need continental and national participation to make this vision real, and America is showing how it can be done.” He also encouraged open collaboration and dialogue, saying that “This Strategic Dialogue is a unique moment to co-create the future of university sport. The diversity of America is not a challenge, but a strength we must embrace.”
The programme of this 5th Strategic Dialogue featured excellent presentations, from different representatives of NUSFs and Universities, and discussions across a wide range of topics, including models of governance and management in university sport, best practices in student well-being and dual career, sustainable financing, sports legislation, new sports and emerging technologies such as e-sports and artificial intelligence, as well as sustainability, Healthy Campus, and the internationalisation and cooperation between academic and sports systems.
MoU signing – deepening institutional cooperation
During the Strategic Dialogue, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between FISU and FISU America, reinforcing shared priorities and cooperation. The document outlines concrete commitments across multiple areas, including global priorities:
- to cooperate different areas of activities including sports, education and development;
- to enhance cooperation and coordination between National, Continental and International institutions and promote a high-level dialogue between FISU and its stakeholders;
- to contribute to the activities on the occasion of the International Day of University Sport; to contribute to the development of FISU Healthy Campus Programme;
- to ensure consistency and growth of sports programmes involving NUSFs and individual universities, leading to progressive growth of participation in university sports activities;
- to contribute together to the development of the sports volunteering movement;
- to promote a high-level dialogue between FISU, FISU America and NUSFs;
- and to set measurable objectives (KPIs) aligned with FISU’s strategic priorities with regular assessment to ensure effective collaboration and progress.
USIL – A Platinum Campus and continental reference
The events were hosted at San Ignacio de Loyola University (USIL), the only Platinum-certified FISU Healthy Campus in America. The university is a beacon of excellence in student well-being, sustainability, and academic innovation.
The Opening Ceremony of the Strategic Dialogue was graced by the presence of Dr. Jorge Talavera Traverso, Rector, and Dra, Erika Valdivieso Lopez Vice Rector for Academic Affairs.
Christian De la Torre, Director of Sport and Physical Activity at USIL and coordinator of the Healthy Campus Programme, shared its impact, as “over 40 academic research projects were published in the last two year, focused on health, physical activity, and quality of life; strengthening of the university’s “MODO USIL” culture, promoting well-being across all university sectors; and the investment in eco-friendly lighting systems, reinforcing the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
“Healthy Campus has transformed our institutional culture, not just in sport, but across research, infrastructure, and community engagement, USIL is proud to be a continental model in university well-being and sustainability.” said De la Torre.
Fernando Parente, FISU Deputy Secretary General, added: “The work developed at USIL is not only a reference for the Americas but also a global example for the entire university sports movement.”
Looking ahead – America as a continental reference
These gatherings in Lima served not only as moments of institutional consolidation but also as a launchpad for the next phase of transformation in university sport across the continent. With shared commitment between FISU, FISU America, and its member federations, the region is positioning itself as a global reference in innovation, education, and inclusion through sport.
The event also benefited from the excellent hospitality and support of the Peruvian University Sports Federation (FEDUP), led by President Mr. David Timoteo Chero, whose dedicated team ensured a warm welcome and seamless organization throughout all activities.
At the closing session, Alim Maluf Neto described this Strategic Dialogue as “the best in the history of FISU America”, symbolising both renewal and unity. And, additionally, Leonz Eder concluded. “Together, we are building a more sustainable, professional, and united future for university sport — and that future begins here, in America” .
Written by Fernando Parente, photos by André Pimentel
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