Budapest: World Aquatics has inaugurated its temporary headquarters in Budapest after relocating from Lausanne, as announced by Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, on Monday. The minister stated that the governing body plans to move its entire global headquarters to the Hungarian capital by 2027.
According to About Hungary, during the inauguration ceremony, Minister Szijjártó highlighted an agreement between the Hungarian government and World Aquatics, which includes the creation of a global training and education centre. He explained that the office opened on Monday is temporary, with the permanent World Aquatics centre expected to open next year. By 2026, the complete global headquarters will be operational, enabling all aquatics-related activities to be managed from Budapest starting in 2027.
The minister emphasized Hungary’s goal of attracting similar international organizations, noting that with the relocation of World Aquatics, the country will host four sports federations. He also
stressed the importance of talent management and revealed plans for a scholarship program that will allow 200 athletes to study at Hungarian universities beginning in 2027. Minister Szijjártó expressed pride in a Ugandan scholarship recipient who has already qualified for the Olympics and expressed hope that more young swimmers will take advantage of such opportunities.
