The FISU World Forum 2024 was hosted in the Croatian capital of Zagreb and organised by the Croatian Academic Sports Federation in collaboration with the International University Sports Federation (FISU) between the 27 August and 31 August.
Student representatives Angelica Oparinde (University of Stirling), Molly Payne (University of Leeds) and Murhad Hussain (University of Central Lancashire) represented their universities and British Universities and Colleges Sport as the National University Sports Federation on behalf of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; participating in a week that brought together a vibrant community of students, athletes, and officials from 48 countries, representing national and continental university sport bodies. Over five days, all participants were immersed in discussions, workshops, and cultural experiences, fostering a global dialogue on sports, education, and exchange.
The main topic of the Forum was “University Sport: Creating a Better World” with sub-themes of ‘Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering gender equality, inclusivity, and accessibility in university sports’ and ‘Sports Diplomacy and Global Relations: Leveraging university sports for international collaboration and cultural exchange’. The program featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking events, covering a range of topics such as sports management, sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and innovation in university sports. With its vibrant culture, rich history and stunning architecture, Zagreb as a city that boasted a thriving sports scene; home to several universities and academic institutions.
The last day of the event was reserved for the presentation of student ideas and projects linked to the topics discussed during the week. 12 international teams of students presented their ideas in front of the jury and other participants. The winning group shared the concept of a FISU Lounge project, a place for students, athletes, volunteers and all participants to meet and exchange, applicable to FISU competitions and educational events and included Angelica Operinde.
FISU Student Ambassador and World Forum 2024 Student Representative, Angelica Operinde commented; “We have had an amazing week. I have learnt so much, made many connections and hugely grateful to have had the opportunity to attend such an incredible event. From a personal perspective as FISU Student Ambassador, it was a pleasure to meet Albina, other FISU student ambassadors and share ideas and insights with all the other participants that attended."
FISU World Forum 2024 highlighted the power of sports to unite people across borders and emphasized the importance of inclusivity, education, and perseverance in the world of sports. In 2026, the FISU World Forum will take place in Ostersund, Sweden.
