The 23rd World Climbing General Assembly concluded following a fully online meeting that brought together 105 delegates, representing 72 National Federations from across the world.

Originally scheduled to be organised in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with Saudi National Federation, the Assembly was moved online following an Executive Board decision made on 4 March due to the ongoing conflicts in West Asia. The agenda was subsequently adapted to reflect the new format.

MEMBERSHIPS RATIFIED

The Assembly ratified the proposals of the Executive Board to include four new members: the Albanian Climbing Federation, representing Albania; the Sport Climbing Association Liechtenstein, representing Liechtenstein; ClimbMT, representing Malta; and the Asociación Uruguaya de Escalada, representing Uruguay.

REPORTS PRESENTED

World Climbing President Marco Scolaris delivered his address on the state of the Federation to the delegates, and a motion to hold an Extraordinary General Assembly in July 2026 to discuss on geopolitical issues was successfully voted on and passed.

Secretary General Piero Rebaudengo presented the report of activities, outlining the Federation’s work since the previous Assembly across various areas, including Sport – with new events and formats – and Media & Communications – including the recent launch of the World Climbing brand.

Vice President Finance Naomi Cleary provided an overview of the organisation’s financial position. Votes were held and passed to approve the 2025 Audit and consolidated Financial Statements, approval of the 2026 provisional budget, of the Financial Regulations, of a new auditor for 2026, as well as a revised fee system for the 2026–2028 period.

The reporting continued with each Chair of the Continental Councils presenting updates to the Assembly: George Stainton, Chair of World Climbing Africa; Rasip Isnin, Secretary of World Climbing Asia; Tijl Smitz, President of World Climbing Europe; Karen Powell, Chair of World Climbing Oceania; and Willy Montenegro, Chair of World Climbing Pan America.

Finally, the Chairs of the Statutory Commissions also presented their reports, including Athletes’ Commission Chair Kyra Condie, Disciplinary Commission Chair Deana Labriola, and Ethics Commission Chair Dagmawit Girmay Berhane.

LOOKING AHEAD

Further meetings were confirmed as part of the Federation’s calendar, with the date of the Extraordinary General Assembly to be finalised. The World Climbing Summit will take place on 4 and 5 December 2026, while the next in-person General Assembly is scheduled for 15 to 17 April 2027 in Saudi Arabia.