The XXII FIBA Congress, which brought together delegates from 157 National Federations over the past two days, concluded at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Pasay City on the eve of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
The Congress was opened with welcome speeches from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, Mr. Richard E. Bachmann (Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission), and HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein (IOC Executive Board Member, President of the Jordan Olympic Committee, and Founding Chairman of the FIBA Safeguarding Council).
During the Congress, a unanimous vote was cast for a new President, Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani; Treasurer Ingo Weiss; new Central Board members; and Hamane Niang, who was named FIBA Honorary President. The Ethics Panel and Nominations Panel were also appointed.
A special ceremony was held to honor the efforts and achievements of National Federations, and Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan was awarded the FIBA Order of Merit.
Following the President’s address, FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis presented a report on FIBA’s activities over the past two years and the updated strategy for the new cycle of 2023-2027, which was approved by the Central Board. The main strategic priorities for the next four years are to empower National Federations, promote Women in Basketball, and shape International Club Competitions.
The Congress also received reports from Weiss, as well as from organizations officially recognized by FIBA: FIBA Foundation, World Association of Basketball Coaches (WABC), International Wheelchair Basketball Federation (IWBF), and the Deaf International Basketball Federation (DIBF).
On the second day of the Congress, delegates participated in Breakout Sessions that included discussions on two of FIBA’s strategic priorities: Women in Basketball and Empower National Federations. Other topics covered included innovation presented by FIBA’s Equipment & Venue Centre, eFIBA, as well as Safeguarding and Integrity.
Additionally, the FIBA Hall of Fame Ceremony for 2023 took place on the evening of August 23. During this special ceremony, 12 world-class basketball personalities were inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.
The XXII FIBA Congress activities concluded with National Federation delegates attending the highly anticipated FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 tip-off on Friday, August 25, at the Philippine Arena, along with the Opening Ceremony.
