Dear Colleagues and members of the IOI community,

This message is being sent to provide an update on a significant decision of the General Assembly of the IOI.

Members of the community requested that the IOI respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by the ongoing conflict. During IOI 2024, the General Assembly debated many options at length. The question about what action to take, if any, was not taken lightly. The result was a vote to sanction Israel for its role in the crisis. Over two thirds of the delegations voted in favour of this action. Specifically, the action means that beginning in 2025, Israel will not be recognized as a participating delegation at IOI, but four contestants from Israel may still participate under the IOI flag.

There will continue to be reflection and debate about the mission of the IOI and its connection to war and other international disputes.

Assoc/Prof Sun Teck Tan
President of IOI