FIA American Congress 2025 Officially Opens in Paraguay, Uniting Global Leaders in Motorsport and Mobility
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the worldwide governing body of motorsport and federation for mobility organizations, officially opened the FIA American Congress 2025 in Asunción, Paraguay. The prestigious gathering marks a milestone not only for the FIA but also for Paraguay, as the nation takes center stage in hosting one of the most significant events on the international motorsport and mobility calendar.
The opening ceremony was presided over by President of Paraguay Santiago Peña and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who welcomed delegates from 33 countries across the Americas. The event is hosted by the Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo (TACPy), a long-standing FIA member club.
A Landmark Gathering for the Americas
The FIA American Congress is recognized as a flagship annual meeting that brings together decision-makers, industry leaders, mobility experts, and motorsport stakeholders. It serves as a critical platform for exchanging ideas, developing strategies, and fostering collaboration across borders.
In Paraguay, the event carries special significance. For the first time, the country is hosting such a high-profile FIA gathering, underscoring its growing role in the international motorsport and mobility ecosystem. The congress takes place just ahead of another historic moment—the debut of the Rally del Paraguay on the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) calendar, a milestone for South American motorsport.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem: Building a Connected Future
In his keynote remarks, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem emphasized the central role of the American Congress in advancing the federation’s mission.
The American Congress is the embodiment of what the FIA stands for—a globally connected Federation, leading the way in motorsport and mobility. We are elevating and innovating across our sectors and bringing together a passionate community to share knowledge and ideas.”
Ben Sulayem highlighted the rapid changes taking place across the Americas, where both mobility infrastructure and motorsport culture are undergoing transformative growth.
He cited major infrastructure projects that are linking regions and boosting trade, reshaping how people and goods move across the continent. At the same time, motorsport is expanding its reach, with Paraguay’s inclusion on the WRC stage symbolizing the region’s rise as a key player in international competition.
This week marks a historic milestone for South American motorsport with the Rally del Paraguay joining the FIA WRC calendar for the very first time,” Ben Sulayem said, acknowledging the pride and opportunity this represents for Paraguay.
The FIA President also expressed gratitude to the Paraguayan leadership and hosts:
Paraguay’s President Santiago Peña: A Nation on the Rise
For President Santiago Peña, hosting the FIA American Congress was more than an honor—it was an opportunity to showcase Paraguay’s growing confidence on the world stage.
In his remarks, Peña drew attention to the country’s heritage, resilience, and ambitions for the future:
We are no longer the best hidden treasure of the continent, but a giant that is re-emerging with full force: people proud of their roots, its heroic history and convinced of its inevitable future of greatness.”
He also extended an invitation to delegates to experience the nation’s culture firsthand:
Over the next few days you will be able to experience the legendary hospitality of Paraguay, a country full of caring people.”
The President’s words reflect Paraguay’s positioning as a hub for both economic opportunity and cultural richness, reinforcing why the FIA chose Asunción as the host city for this year’s Congress.
Three Days of Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration
The FIA American Congress 2025 spans three intensive days, with sessions focused on some of the most pressing themes facing mobility and motorsport today:
- Road Safety and Education: Delegates will explore strategies to reduce traffic accidents, improve driver behavior, and promote safer road networks. Road safety remains one of the FIA’s top global priorities, especially in emerging regions where infrastructure is evolving rapidly.
- Innovation in Mobility and Automotive Technology: The Congress will highlight innovations such as electric vehicles, digital mobility services, autonomous driving systems, and sustainable fuels. These developments are shaping the future of transportation not only in developed markets but also across Latin America.
- Growth of Motorsport in the Americas: From grassroots karting to world championship rallies, motorsport in the Americas is experiencing renewed energy. The inclusion of Paraguay in the WRC calendar is emblematic of the opportunities for new markets to enter the global stage.
Workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions will allow delegates, policymakers, industry experts, and FIA member clubs to exchange insights and establish collaborations that can drive progress beyond national boundaries.
A Historic Moment: Rally del Paraguay Joins the WRC
A defining highlight of this year’s Congress is its timing. Immediately following the three-day event, Paraguay will host its first-ever FIA WRC event in the region of Itapúa.
The Rally del Paraguay has long been a celebrated national competition, but its elevation to the WRC calendar represents international recognition of Paraguay’s motorsport capabilities. Both President Santiago Peña and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem will attend the rally, further underscoring its importance.
For Paraguayan fans, this is not just about motorsport—it is about national pride, international visibility, and the opportunity to showcase the country’s passion for racing to millions of global viewers.
FIA American Congress: Strengthening Global Unity
The FIA American Congress in Paraguay is more than an event; it is part of a broader FIA effort to connect member organizations across continents. Similar regional congresses are held in Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, each designed to address specific regional challenges while reinforcing the FIA’s global unity.
In Paraguay, the congress also serves as a reminder that motorsport and mobility are deeply intertwined. Advances in one sector often benefit the other—whether through technology, infrastructure, or community engagement.
By placing South America at the heart of the conversation, the FIA is sending a clear message: the future of mobility and motorsport will be shaped not only in traditional centers of influence but also in emerging nations ready to seize the moment.
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motorsport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motorsport and mobility.
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 245 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motorsport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motorsport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.
