International Automobile Federation (FIA) President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with Republic of Chile President José Antonio Kast in Santiago to strengthen ties between the governing body and the Chilean government. During the high-level talks, both leaders examined shared priorities across mobility and motorsport sectors, focusing specifically on road safety enhancements, sustainable transport solutions, and expanded opportunities for national motorsport development. The diplomatic engagement arrives at a critical juncture for South America as the region prepares to host upcoming motorsport showcases, including a World Rally Championship (WRC) round in Paraguay alongside the FIA American Congress in Buenos Aires.
Signing the United Against Online Abuse Charter in Santiago
A central outcome of the discussions in the Chilean capital was the formal signing of the FIA “United Against Online Abuse” (UAOA) charter by President Kast and the Republic of Chile. Established in 2023 under the direction of President Ben Sulayem, the coalition coordinates international efforts to combat digital abuse within sports environments. By joining the initiative, Chile becomes the 14th government globally to participate in the alliance, which unites public authorities, sports federations, and technology companies to safeguard participants and maintain inclusive sporting communities.
Following the formal signing ceremony, the FIA President emphasized the strategic importance of the nation within the international federation. “تلعب تشيلي دوراً بارزاً في مجتمع الاتحاد الدولي للسيارات، إذ تتمتع بتاريخ عريق في رياضة السيارات وطموح واضح لمستقبل التنقل بالسيارات.ومن استضافة بطولة العالم للراليات التابعة للاتحاد الدولي للسيارات، إلى الاستثمارات الضخمة في شبكة الطرق والاتصالات في البلاد، يبرز التزامٌ راسخٌ بدعم هذه المجالات الحيوية”، President Ben Sulayem stated.
Did You Know? The United Against Online Abuse coalition was originally founded in 2023 by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem to unite governments, sports federations, and technology companies in protecting sports communities from digital toxicity.
Data-Driven Road Safety and Automobile Club Initiatives
Addressing national transportation infrastructure, the meetings highlighted ongoing data-driven strategies deployed by the FIA to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. President Ben Sulayem outlined the implementation of the Road Safety Index (RSI) and Driver Safety Index (DSI), frameworks designed to provide governments and organizations with benchmarking tools to measure and improve safety performance.
The discussions also spotlighted the operational achievements of the Automobile Club of Chile (ACCHI), led by President Alejandro Quintana. The organization recently became one of nine new FIA member clubs to adopt the Driver Risk Index (FIA DSI) to manage driver safety through data analytics. Furthermore, utilizing FIA sustainable mobility grants, ACCHI has deployed international assessment tools to evaluate school zone infrastructure and create safer pedestrian routes for children, alongside launching a dedicated digital platform to inform the public on critical mobility topics.
Motorsport Development and Regional Governance
The bilateral talks additionally addressed the ongoing evolution of competitive racing within the nation, involving the Chilean Motorsport Federation (FADECH), which operates as the recognized sporting member of the FIA within the territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who met during the official visit to Santiago?
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with the President of the Republic of Chile, José Antonio Kast, during the visit to Santiago.
What international charter did Chile sign during the meetings?
President Kast and the Republic of Chile signed the FIA “United Against Online Abuse” (UAOA) charter, making Chile the 14th government globally to join the coalition.
Which local organizations participated in the discussions regarding mobility and safety?
The Automobile Club of Chile (ACCHI), led by President Alejandro Quintana, and the Chilean Motorsport Federation (FADECH) were highlighted for their roles in advancing domestic mobility and sporting development.
How will the adoption of data-driven safety indices impact local transit programs across the region?