A Prince on a Mission Feisal Al Hussein Campaigns for IOC Presidency Vowing to Ignite the Olympic Flame of Peace

The Olympic Movement is about hope. Together, we can contribute to building a more peaceful society,” said HRH Prince Feisal Al Hussein of Jordan during his announcement in Lausanne. As a candidate for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), he has pledged to promote unity and peace through sport and to lead the Olympic Movement towards a more inclusive and equitable future.

Prince Feisal,

61, is the younger brother of King Abdullah II of Jordan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Brown University and a master’s degree in management from the London Business School. A former commander in the Royal Jordanian Air Force, he transitioned from fighter pilot to sports leader. For years, he has served as an IOC Executive Board Member and as President of the Jordan Olympic Committee. In 2007, he founded Generations For Peace, an organization that fosters peacebuilding in conflict zones through sport, arts, and dialogue.

“Running for IOC President is a natural extension of my lifelong commitment to service,” Prince Feisal stated. Coming from a family devoted to serving the nation and society, he recalls his father’s words: “If you have the ability to make a difference, you have the responsibility to try.” It is this sense of duty, combined with his two decades of experience in sports governance, that has propelled him to pursue the IOC’s top role.

At the core of Prince Feisal’s candidacy are the values of peace, inclusivity, and fairness. He has pledged to revive the Olympic Truce, championing sport as a force that transcends political divisions and serves as a symbol of peace in regions affected by conflict. He emphasized the need for the IOC to enhance integrity, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the Olympic Movement remains fair and just.

Gender equality and the inclusion of transgender athletes are also central to his platform. Prince Feisal highlighted the historic achievement of gender parity among Olympic athletes and stressed the need to expand women’s representation in sports leadership. Regarding transgender athletes, he called for a science-based approach that prioritizes safety and fairness, stating, “If there is an unfair advantage, it should be addressed with the same rigor as doping violations.”

Prince Feisal further advocates for a regional hosting model for the Olympic Games, offering more opportunities for developing nations to host and advancing the globalization and inclusivity of the Olympic Movement. “Sport should not belong to any one region or group; it should be a shared hope and dream for the entire world,” he said.

In contrast to other candidates, Prince Feisal underscores his dual identity as a military officer and a peacebuilder, giving him a unique advantage in navigating complex international issues and fostering intercultural dialogue. He believes sport is a bridge that can overcome cultural and ideological divides.

“My goal is to win this election, but no matter the outcome, I will continue to serve the Olympic Movement,” Prince Feisal affirmed. He hopes the Olympics will not only remain the pinnacle of athletic competition but also serve as a symbol of hope and trust, guiding the world toward peace and unity.