FIA President Ben Sulayem Pushes Global Motorsport Progress

Dubai, UAE: 

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem marked a milestone moment for global motorsport and mobility during the FIA Annual General Assemblies in Tashkent, reaffirming his commitment to driving meaningful transformation across both sectors. The gathering, held during the most significant week on the FIA calendar, brought together nearly 500 senior delegates from 149 countries, ahead of the 2025 FIA Presidential Election and the FIA Awards.

Reflecting on his four years of leadership, Ben Sulayem emphasised the organisation’s evolution:
“I am proud of the progress we have achieved, and my priority remains ensuring the FIA continues to transform into an organisation that delivers tangible value to society,” he said.

He highlighted the FIA’s ongoing global initiatives aimed at widening access to motorsport, including the Affordable Cross Car programme and the Global Karting Plan, both designed to create inclusive pathways for young and aspiring racers. Simultaneously, the FIA continues to reinforce its mobility mission by collaborating with regional partners to advance discussions on sustainable cities, road safety, and future transport solutions.

A significant moment during the Assembly was the Republic of Uzbekistan’s signing of the United Against Online Abuse (UAOA) Charter, making it the latest nation to join the growing movement. The signing ceremony brought together Ben Sulayem, Founder of UAOA, and Adkham Ilkhamovich Ikramov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Sports.

Online abuse has become one of the most pressing challenges in global sport, with athletes, officials, volunteers, and fans increasingly vulnerable across digital platforms. Through UAOA, the FIA is leading an international coalition of sports bodies, governments, technology partners, and academic institutions dedicated to combating this threat through education, research, and collective action.

Ben Sulayem stated:
“Sport remains one of humanity’s greatest forces for good, and it is our responsibility to protect it. With more than 75 partners worldwide, we are committed to delivering long-term change by confronting online abuse and safeguarding everyone in the sporting ecosystem.”

Uzbekistan’s Sports Minister Ikramov reinforced the nation’s commitment:
“Sport must inspire pride and unity—not fear. By joining this global coalition, Uzbekistan is proud to help protect athletes, officials, and supporters while contributing to building safer digital spaces for sport.”

The UAOA initiative has gained rapid momentum in recent months and was recently honoured with the Peace and Sport Coalition for Peace Award, acknowledging its global impact in advocating for responsible online behaviour and defending sporting communities from digital harm.

Through this growing coalition, UAOA continues to unite international federations, national governments, and technology stakeholders to build a safer, more respectful digital environment for the world of sport.