In 1948, five generals — including a French one — sat down together in the aftermath of the Second World War and founded an organisation built on a simple but radical idea: that the armed forces of the world might be better united through sport than divided by conflict. Seventy-seven years later, the International Military Sports Council they created now counts 142 member nations, and this week, 79 of them have sent delegations to Monaco for the 81st General Assembly — gathered under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II in a Principality that has made international dialogue something of a speciality.
At a press conference at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo on Tuesday 5th May, Captain Denis Raymond of the Prince’s Carabiniers Corps, Knight of the Order of Grimaldi, explained how that original vision continues to shape everything the organisation does today.
“The motto says it all: ‘Friendship through sport,'” he said. “It fosters dialogue and mutual understanding that goes well beyond competition — creating lasting bonds between servicemen and women across the world.”
Captain Raymond also highlighted the role of military structures in elite sport. While military athletes compete on equal terms at events such as the Olympic Games, they often rely on institutional support to reach the highest level.
“Many disciplines lack visibility and funding, so military frameworks provide athletes with the stability, training conditions and financial security they need to perform,” he said, noting that a significant share of France’s recent Olympic medals has been won by athletes competing under military contracts.
Monaco, a hub for dialogue through sport
True to its long-standing commitment to international cooperation, Monaco has once again positioned itself as a meeting point for global exchange. Throughout the week, the Principality is hosting senior military delegations, institutional representatives and experts in sports diplomacy, all gathered to strengthen ties and reinforce sport’s role as a driver of lasting peace.
The programme includes conferences and high-level discussions, notably a ‘Peace & Sport’ forum, alongside the official presentation of two major upcoming events: the 2027 Summer Military World Games in Charlotte, United States, and the 2027 Military World School Games in Kazakhstan.
The Force Publique takes centre stage
The smooth running of the Assembly relies heavily on Monaco’s Force Publique. Bringing together the Prince’s Carabiniers Corps and the Monaco Fire Brigade under the authority of the Department of the Interior, the Force Publique is central to both the security and the ceremonial life of the event in Monaco this week.
On Tuesday morning, the Place du Palais provided the setting for a military ceremony bringing together Prince Albert II and senior representatives attending the 81st General Assembly of the International Military Sports Council.
The Prince arrived via the Honour Gate, accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Philippe Rebaudengo. The ceremony, conducted under the orders of Colonel Tony Varo, began with the deployment of the troops.
A series of formal sequences followed, starting with honours to the Standard, then military honours to the Sovereign. The Monegasque and CISM anthems were performed as the flags were raised, marking a key moment in the proceedings.
Prince Albert II then carried out a review of the troops before the ceremony concluded with final honours. The occasion ended with an official group photograph featuring the heads of delegations alongside the Prince.
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A shared commitment to peace
The 81st General Assembly ultimately reinforces the CISM’s mission: to make sport a genuine instrument of peace for present and future generations.
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Main photo: Virginia D’Umas, Monaco Life