Ben Sulayem Highlights FIA Progress as Global Leaders Gather in Tashkent
<p>FIA President <strong>Mohammed Ben Sulayem</strong> has expressed strong confidence and pride in the progress achieved by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile over the past four years, reaffirming his commitment to continuing the organisation’s transformation into a body that delivers tangible value to society. His remarks came as the FIA welcomed nearly <strong>500 senior delegates</strong> from the global motorsport and mobility sectors to the <strong>FIA Annual General Assemblies</strong> in <strong>Tashkent, Uzbekistan</strong>.</p><p>Delegates representing <strong>149 countries</strong> have gathered in the Uzbek capital ahead of the <strong>2025 FIA Presidential Election</strong> and the <strong>FIA Awards</strong>, marking one of the most significant global gatherings of motorsport and mobility leaders this year. The assemblies serve as a platform for reviewing progress, shaping future strategies, and strengthening international collaboration across grassroots motorsport, elite competition, and sustainable mobility.</p><p>Speaking at the event, Ben Sulayem said he remains deeply proud of what the FIA has accomplished during his presidency. He emphasized that his primary objective is to ensure the organisation continues evolving in a way that generates meaningful and lasting benefits for the wider global community.</p><p>He highlighted the FIA’s efforts to <strong>expand access to motorsport</strong>, particularly at the grassroots level. According to Ben Sulayem, initiatives such as the <strong>Affordable Cross Car project</strong> and the <strong>Global Karting Plan</strong> are helping to make motorsport more inclusive and accessible for young talent worldwide. These programmes aim to reduce financial barriers and encourage participation from underrepresented regions, ensuring the sport’s long-term growth and diversity.</p><p>Beyond motorsport, the FIA has also strengthened its role in the <strong>global mobility ecosystem</strong>. Ben Sulayem noted that the organisation continues to lead discussions on key societal challenges, including the development of <strong>sustainable cities</strong>, the promotion of <strong>road safety</strong>, and the future direction of transportation. He underlined the importance of addressing these issues through international cooperation, research, and innovation.</p><p>As part of his visit to Tashkent, Ben Sulayem, who is also the <strong>Founder of the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) initiative</strong>, met with <strong>Adkham Ilkhamovich Ikramov</strong>, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Sports. During the meeting, the two leaders formally <strong>signed the UAOA Charter</strong>, officially welcoming Uzbekistan into the growing global alliance dedicated to combating online abuse in sport.</p><p>The UAOA initiative brings together clubs, federations, governments, technology partners, and academic institutions with a shared goal of addressing one of the most pressing issues facing modern sport. Online abuse has increasingly been recognised as a major threat to athlete well-being, performance, and participation, affecting competitors, officials, volunteers, and fans at all levels.</p><p>Uzbekistan’s inclusion in the alliance reflects the country’s strong sporting tradition and its increasing influence in international sport. The nation has committed to promoting <strong>safer digital environments</strong> for athletes and sporting communities, acknowledging the importance of a coordinated global response to online harassment and intimidation.</p><p>Ben Sulayem stressed that sport plays a vital role in society, serving as a powerful force for unity, inspiration, and positive change. He emphasized that protecting sport from the harmful effects of online abuse is essential for safeguarding its future. With the support of a coalition of more than <strong>75 global partners</strong>, the FIA’s UAOA initiative is driving meaningful change through education, awareness, and collaborative action.</p><p>Uzbekistan’s Sports Minister Ikramov echoed these sentiments, stating that sport should never be associated with fear or intimidation. He expressed pride in supporting the international coalition and highlighted his country’s commitment to protecting athletes, officials, and fans while contributing to global efforts to create a safer online landscape.</p><p>The rapid growth of the UAOA initiative has gained international recognition. Recently, it was honoured with <strong>Peace and Sport’s prestigious Coalition for Peace Award</strong>, a recognition that underscores its leadership in building a worldwide movement against online abuse and in favour of respect, inclusion, and safety across sport.</p><p>As the FIA Annual General Assemblies continue in Tashkent, discussions will focus on strengthening governance, expanding grassroots participation, advancing sustainability goals, and reinforcing the FIA’s role as a global leader in both motorsport and mobility. The gathering reflects the organisation’s broader vision of shaping a safer, more inclusive, and forward-looking future for sport and transportation worldwide.</p>