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2025-10-20

Interview with Navy Captain Roberto Recchia, CISM Secretary General

Q: Why was the UAE selected to host the CISM Symposium?

The decision reflects both the UAE’s strategic vision and CISM’s trust in the nation’s ability to deliver. The UAE is located at the crossroads of cultures and regions, making it an ideal place to gather international military experts. Beyond geography, the country has consistently shown its commitment to advancing defense knowledge and fostering global dialogue.

Q: How would you evaluate the UAE’s readiness to host the symposium?

In my role, I have been closely involved in the technical preparations and stakeholders coordination. I can confidently say that the UAE is fully prepared. Their attention to detail, their ability to anticipate needs and their openness to international collaboration have been remarkable. This readiness is a key factor in ensuring the success of the Symposium.

Q: What are the main objectives of the CISM Symposium?

The Symposium is an essential part of CISM’s academic mission. It brings forward discussions that combine science, sport and the military perspective. This year’s theme, focusing on physical readiness and resilience, is particularly timely as armed forces worldwide adapt to new operational challenges. The objective is to bridge theory and practice, creating knowledge that can directly benefit service members.

Q: How do you assess the ongoing coordination between the UAE Ministry of Defence and CISM to ensure the success of the event?

The partnership has been very productive. There is a strong spirit of mutual trust and constant communication between our teams. This has enabled us to work hand in hand on the program content, logistics and protocol aspects. Such coordination ensures a smooth and impactful event.

Q: What is your overall assessment of the UAE’s track record in hosting major international events?

The UAE is a country that combines innovation with tradition. Its experience in hosting high-level summits, sports competitions and defense exhibitions is impressive. This history is a guarantee that our Symposium will benefit from world-class standards in both organization and hospitality.

I would also highlight the success of the 2023 CISM Athletics Conference, which was hosted in the UAE and demonstrated the country’s strong commitment to advancing academic and operational dialogue within the military sports community. That event brought together experts, coaches, and officers from many nations, setting a clear example of how the UAE combines excellence in organization with a genuine dedication to knowledge-sharing. It also gave us the confidence that the UAE has both the experience and the vision to host an event of the scale and importance of the CISM Symposium.

Q: Do you have any additional insights you would like to share regarding the upcoming CISM Symposium?

I believe the Symposium will be a turning point for our organization. By addressing the challenges of tomorrow with the expertise of today, we are equipping our armed forces with knowledge that goes beyond borders. I am confident that the outcomes will inspire not only our military community but also the global defense sector.

I would also like to underline the importance of the special opening session on the first day of the Symposium, which will focus on Sport Diplomacy and CISM’s resilience over the past thirty years, a period marked by multiple geopolitical shifts.

This session will not only revisit the lessons learned from CISM’s capacity to adapt and remain a unifying platform in times of uncertainty, but it will also provide valuable perspectives on how these lessons can guide us in today’s challenging global context. It is a timely reminder that sport, and particularly military sport, has a unique power to bridge divides and foster stability.

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