One Month to Go: Elections and Future Governance of Skating on top of the agenda of the 60th ISU Congress

One Month to Go: Elections and Future Governance of Skating on top of the agenda of the 60th ISU Congress

13 May 2026

The countdown is on. In exactly one month, the International Skating Union (ISU) will open its landmark 60th Ordinary Congress in Tenerife, Spain - a pivotal gathering set to define the next chapter of global skating governance, innovation and growth.

Taking place from June 10–12, 2026, the Congress will unite ISU Member Federations from around the world for three days of strategic discussions, elections and major decisions that will shape the future direction of the ISU and its sports under the Vision 2030 strategic roadmap.

A Defining Electoral Congress

The 60th Ordinary ISU Congress marks a decisive governance milestone for the organization, as elections will take place across all major ISU bodies.

ISU President Jae Youl Kim is standing for re-election as the sole candidate for the Presidency, seeking a renewed mandate following four transformative years that have seen the ISU embark on the most ambitious modernization programs in its history.

In addition to the presidential election, delegates will elect Vice Presidents, ISU Council Members, Technical Committee Chairpersons and Members across all disciplines, as well as members of key oversight bodies including the Audit, Risk and Investment Committee, the Disciplinary Commission and the Skating Integrity Unit Board.

These elections will play a crucial role in ensuring continued strong expertise, leadership and accountability across all areas of activity within the ISU governance framework for the years ahead.

The full list of candidates standing for election at the 60th ISU Congress is available here

Four Years of Transformation Under ISU Vision 2030

Beyond elections, the Congress will also provide a unique opportunity to reflect on the major transformation journey undertaken by the ISU since the election of President Kim in Phuket in 2022 and the adoption of ISU Vision 2030 at the 2024 Congress in Las Vegas. 

Built around the GO ISU pillars - Growth, Opportunity, Innovation, Safeguarding and Unity - Vision 2030 has driven major reforms and innovations designed to strengthen skating’s global appeal in venues and across digital channels, modernize governance and deepen engagement with athletes, Members, fans, commercial partners and media worldwide.

Over the past four years, the ISU has delivered a wide range of groundbreaking innovations and tangible results in areas including:

  • Modernization of the ISU Constitution and governance framework
  • Enhanced event presentation and fan experiences
  • Evolution of broadcasting formats and media production
  • Geo-localized and video-first digital storytelling strategies
  • Expansion of the ISU’s digital ecosystem in terms of tools, accessibility and market-tailored approaches
  • Broadening of sponsorship and commercial partnerships
  • Opening of new media rights opportunities
  • Increased use of AI-driven technologies to support judging and officiating
  • Strengthened safeguarding measures and athlete welfare initiatives
  • Expanded development programs and funding opportunities for Members worldwide

The Congress will offer delegates a comprehensive retrospective on these milestones, while also setting the stage for the next phase of skating’s evolution in a rapidly changing sports and entertainment landscape.

Key Congress Topics

The agenda outlines a comprehensive and forward-looking program, combining statutory duties with strategic priorities aligned with ISU Vision 2030, including:

  • Leadership elections across ISU governing bodies
  • Reports from the President and Director General
  • Financial oversight and long-term planning
  • Technical Committees reports
  • Athlete welfare, Development, anti-doping and Disciplinary Commission presentations
  • Decisions on Council and Members’ proposals

The full detailed agenda is available here.

Global Collaboration and Transparency

Over three days, the Congress will feature formal sessions, key decision-making moments and opportunities for collaboration aimed at reinforcing governance, transparency, innovation and unity across the global skating community.

Stay tuned for more updates, including details on how to follow the Congress live via livestream, on the dedicated ISU Congress webpage here