In a significant meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration in the fields of mobility and motorsport, His Excellency Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), met with H.E. José Antonio Kast, the President of Chile, in Santiago yesterday. This encounter underscores the robust relationship between the FIA and the Chilean government.
Shared Priorities in Mobility and Motorsport
During their discussions, both leaders focused on their shared priorities, including road safety improvements, sustainable mobility initiatives, and the promotion of motorsport development within Chile. This meeting comes at a pivotal moment for South America as the continent prepares to host a round of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in Paraguay, alongside the FIA American Conference, which gathers member clubs from across the region in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Commitment to Online Safety in Sports
The talks culminated in President Kast signing the FIA’s “United Against Online Abuse” (UAOA) charter. Established in 2023 by President Ben Sulayem, this initiative strives to combat online abuse within sports, bringing together governments, sports federations, and technology companies to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for the sporting community. With this signing, Chile joins 13 other nations globally as an active member of this alliance.
Following the meeting, Mohammed Ben Sulayem stated, “Chile plays a prominent role in the FIA community, boasting a rich history in motorsport and a clear ambition for the future of automotive mobility. From hosting the FIA World Rally Championship to substantial investments in the road and communication networks, there is a strong commitment to supporting these vital areas.”
He expressed his excitement about meeting President Kast to discuss their common future priorities, especially the tremendous potential of motorsport in Chile as a platform for enhancing safety and innovation, driving economic growth, and promoting tourism, alongside their shared goal of providing safer, more sustainable, and accessible mobility for everyone.
He also welcomed Chile’s commitment to the UAOA, reinforcing their mutual dedication to creating a safer and more inclusive sporting environment.
Enhancing Road Safety Initiatives
In discussions surrounding mobility, President Ben Sulayem highlighted the FIA’s efforts to improve road safety outcomes through data-driven initiatives like the Road Safety Index (RSI) and Driver Safety Index (DSI). These programmes offer governments and organisations practical tools to measure and benchmark road safety performance, aiming to reduce fatalities and serious injuries caused by traffic accidents.
Additionally, he praised the role of the Chilean Automobile Club (ACCHI), led by President Alejandro Quintana, who was also present at the meeting. The club recently became one of nine new FIA member clubs adopting the Driver Risk Index (FIA DSI), leveraging technology and data to help institutions better understand and manage driver risks.
Through the FIA’s Safe and Sustainable Mobility Grant programme and its Safe Mobility for All initiative, the Chilean Automobile Club has also implemented internationally recognized tools for assessing road infrastructure around schools, working to create safer journeys for children. Moreover, they are developing a digital platform to raise awareness about key mobility issues and engage directly with the Chilean public.
Future of Motorsport Development in Chile
The discussions also covered ongoing motorsport development in Chile and the role of the Chilean Motorsport Federation (FADECH), which acts as the FIA’s sporting member in the country.
In conclusion, both leaders underscored the importance of collaboration between their institutions to foster a safe, inclusive, and progressive environment in both mobility and motorsport in Chile.