CISM International Scientific Symposium 2025 Begins In Abu Dhabi With Global Military Participation

The CISM International Scientific Symposium 2025 commenced in Abu Dhabi, focusing on "Physical Readiness and Resilience in the Armed Forces: Challenges and Foreseeing the Future." Lieutenant General (Staff) Ibrahim Nasser Al Alawi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, inaugurated the event. Held for the first time in the Middle East, it runs until 22nd October under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Organised by the Ministry of Defence, this symposium gathers over 130 participants from 35 countries, including senior military officials, academics, and researchers. The event features 43 speakers and aims to foster international collaboration in military performance sciences and innovation. Major General Obaid Ali Al Mansoori emphasised the UAE's commitment to global cooperation through sport as a peace-building tool.

Major General Obaid Ali Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee of CISM 2025, stated that physical readiness is crucial for operational stability and adaptability in complex environments. This aligns with CISM’s principle of "Friendship Through Sport." The opening session saw attendance from Major General Khalifa Rashid Al Hamli, Colonel Nilton Gomes Filho, President of CISM, and other senior officials.

The first day included keynotes by Prof. Thierry Zintz from Université Catholique de Louvain, who discussed CISM’s role in soft diplomacy. General Gianni Gola, Honorary Life President of CISM, reflected on the World Military Games' legacy. These discussions set the stage for further exploration into military sports diplomacy.

Scientific sessions delved into energy expenditure, sustainable nutrition, and tactical performance. Notable contributions came from Dr. Patrick Mullie of Belgium's Royal Military Academy and Prof. Ayesha Al Dhaheri from United Arab Emirates University. Experts from Austria, Brazil, and the Czech Republic also shared insights on these topics.

Upcoming sessions will address heat adaptation, wearable technologies, and resilience in extreme environments. Experts from institutions like the University of Brighton and National University of Singapore will contribute to these discussions. These sessions aim to enhance understanding of challenges faced by armed forces globally.

UAE's Leadership in Military Research

The symposium underscores the UAE’s leadership in advancing military research and international cooperation through science and sport. By hosting such events, the UAE strengthens its role in fostering innovation within military sciences globally.

The event continues until Wednesday, providing a platform for sharing knowledge and strategies to improve physical readiness among armed forces worldwide. This initiative highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing future challenges within military contexts.

With inputs from WAM