Delegates will vote for the IFSC President who will lead the organisation for the next four years
The IFSC is set to host its XXII General Assembly in Larnaca, Cyprus, on April 11-12, 2025. This annual gathering will bring together 69 delegates in person and 33 online from National Federations across the globe to discuss the sport’s growth, strategic direction, and leadership for the 2025-2029 cycle.
The three-day programme will commence with a series of workshops on April 10. These sessions will focus on the IFSC’s core values and culture, the structure and strategic vision for Para Climbing, and strategies for building and engaging strong, inclusive climbing communities. Delegates will be invited to actively engage in discussions that strengthen the IFSC’s commitment to aligning strategic goals from the national to the international level, ensuring the sustainable development of Sport Climbing.
On April 11, the first official day of the General Assembly, members will receive updates on a number of governance and regulatory agenda items, including membership matters, financial updates, general affairs, and reports from commissions. Key votes will be held regarding the admission of new members, the approval of the 2025 budget, the appointment of the auditor for 2025 and the selection of the host country for the 2027 World Championships.
The Assembly will conclude on April 12 with one of the most anticipated moments in IFSC governance, the elections for the President and Executive Board for the 2025-2029 term, as well as appointing the members of the Disciplinary and Ethics Commissions for the term 2025-2029. Current IFSC President Marco Scolaris (ITA) is seeking re-election for a final term, having led the organisation since his first election in 2009 before being re-elected in 2013, 2017, and 2021. His challenger is current Executive Board Member and IFSC Europe President, Tijl Smitz (BEL).
The General Assembly will elect the following:
- President
- Four (4) Vice Presidents, two (2) female and two (2) male
- Five (5) Continental Board Members, one (1) from each IFSC-recognised continent: Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, Pan America
The full list of candidates:
President Candidates:
Vice-President Candidates:
- Jan Bloudek (CZE)
- Naomi Cleary (AUS)
- Joachim Driessen (NED)
- Kobinata Toru (JPN)
- Anne-Worley Moelter (USA)
- Pierre You (FRA)
Continental Board Member Candidates:
- Africa: Christopher Naude (RSA)
- Asia: Li Guowei (CHN) and Anthony Seah (SGP)
- Europe: Burghilda Beste (GER)
- Oceania: Stephane David (NZL)
- Pan America: Rene Sepulveda (PUR)
The IFSC election process is designed to ensure transparency and fairness in leadership selection. The Nomination Committee will present its report on eligible candidates, followed by presentations (ten minutes for President, five minutes for Vice-Presidents and Continental Board Members). Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session before casting their votes.
The Candidates elected as President, Vice-Presidents and Continental Board Members will take office immediately after the conclusion of the General Assembly.
The final item of business for the XXII IFSC General Assembly will be to select the host cities for the XXIII and XXIV General Assemblies in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
For more on the IFSC elections visit https://ifsc.hopp.to/elections2025
