Thirty years after its first edition held in Cyprus, the FISU World Forum is taking place in Costa Rica from 5-9 December. The 16th edition of the event will have a special focus on sustainable development.

The adventure started in September 1992 on the Mediterranean island when a small group of volunteers temporarily left their job and moved to the seaside resort of Paralimni (picture) to help with the organisation of a “FISU Forum”.

These joint efforts and the support from the government made the event a success. During five days 89 delegates from 21 countries participated in the educational, cultural and recreational programmes, which soon became a permanent trademark.

In 30 years the FISU World Forum has brought together more than 2,500 participants to exchange ideas and best practices for university sport.

The event travelled around the world. The participants had the opportunity to discover Cyprus, Italy, France, Poland, Portugal, Spain (the only country to host it twice, in 1996 and 2010), Sweden, Russia, Chinese Taipei, Korea, Mexico, South Africa and the UAE.

Interestingly, the very first Forum was planned in Bulgaria in Summer 1990, but adverse weather conditions made it impossible. Since then, the Forum has learned to overcome difficulties. In 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, it took place online and attracted 1,500 participants, including 600 university students, and 105 countries represented.

More information on the FISU World Forum here

It is still possible to participate online in the FISU World Forum in Costa Rica. Register

WRITTEN BY LIDIA LESNYKH