You can also find my program in several different languages in the pdf-files below. Feel free to distribute them as much as you can!

My program

Renewal, Growth and Independence

I began fencing at the age of five, following in the footsteps of my grandfather, who took silver in épée in Berlin in 1936. My international fencing career reached its apex in the 1988 Seoul games a few places short of a medal, but my devotion to fencing has only grown in the ensuing decades. I love the sport, and I wish to protect and grow it.

As a life-long athlete and long-term business leader, I believe that strong organizations and teams are the result of compelling and insightful strategy, open and honest dialogue, trust, and engaged collaboration. 

I believe that the sport of fencing is overdue for renewal and innovation. My first priority as President of the FIE will be the creation of a dynamic, collaborative new growth plan for the long-term global development of fencing. This plan must be independent and fair to all national interests, free of conflicts of interests. It must put the athletes first, with a commitment to their development and opportunity.

My commitment as President of the FIE will be to promote and safeguard the independence and rights of every national federation. All nations should have equal voice, and every federation should play a role in deciding how we will grow and promote our sport. I will stand clearly for my own views, and I will listen with equal respect to the views of others. The only way we can grow stronger is together, with integrity and respect. 

A Shared Vision and Strategy

To grow, we must work together toward a shared future. We must come together to develop a new, dynamic, independent vision for our sport, and a strategic plan to take us there. And we must work together in the years to come to implement the strategy and fulfill our vision for our global community. This will be a primary focus on my Presidency. 

The vision and strategy work must be transparent and open. It must involve athletes, coaches, referees, national and international officials, and national federations from around the world. When we own the plan together, we inevitably work together to realize our shared future. The Executive Committee must serve the priorities and needs of the entire sport. 

Urgent Action List

While long-term renewal will be one hallmark of my Presidency, the other will be action. Immediate action on issues of vital interest to all of us:  

• Create a sustainable financial framework for the FIE where we manage our costs in line with revenue such that we build a strong reserve for the future.  
• Develop strategic commercial partnerships as a foundation for financial stability and growth.
• Maximize the possibilities for funding to national federations from Olympic Solidarity.
• Establish and implement good governance in fencing. 
• Secure our place in the Olympic Program by preserving our 12 medal events. Expand our quota to allow 32 fencers and 12 teams per weapon, with the goal of more nationalities competing.
• Empower the Executive Committee of the FIE to drive strategic decisions in international fencing. Establish a mandate to act, with clear accountability. 
• Increase the integrity of the Ethics and Refereeing Commission by establishing independent committees, appointed by the Executive Committee, with a higher degree of autonomy to prevent conflicts of interest, and with accountability for their work.
• Make the Congress an ambitious global meeting place centered around the member federations as principals of the FIE. The Congress must be an open forum for discussion of key concerns and questions. 

About me

Otto Drakenberg – Swedish business professional