The International Skating Union (ISU) has taken an unprecedented step toward the modernization of its organizational structure. In the first Extraordinary Congress in its history, held in a hybrid format between Lausanne and virtually, 94 voting delegates overwhelmingly backed the adoption of a new Constitutional Framework, marking the most significant reform since the ISU’s founding in 1893. The proposal received 119 votes in favor, well above the 86 required for approval.

This reform is part of the ISU Vision 2030, a strategic plan aimed at making the organization more agile and transparent in a constantly evolving sports environment. The new Constitution, the result of an inclusive consultation process and external advisory input, reduces the rulebook from 84 to 34 pages and introduces a clearer, more coherent and efficient decision-making structure, with new governance bodies and updated rules.

More modern, participatory, and transparent governance

Among the key elements of the new framework is the creation of the Skating Integrity Unit (SIU), which will oversee areas such as anti-doping, ethics, anti-corruption, and athlete protection. Alongside it, new Audit, Election, and Remuneration Committees will be established, all with clear powers and independent composition, aligned with international best practices in sports governance. The reform also introduces term limits, age criteria, and a more sustainable approach to the Congress format.

The reform also aims to strengthen the athletes’ voice through a more democratic representation system and establishes a more flexible mechanism for modifying sports rules, ensuring changes only take effect once per Olympic cycle. While the new framework will fully enter into force after the 2026 Congress, transitional rules have already been set. For ISU President Jae Youl Kim, this is a key milestone: “We are the transformed ISU: Inspiring, Supportive, and Unstoppable,” he stated.