The Udine Under 17 and Under 20 Fencing World Cup consolidates its commitment to sustainability by obtaining ISO 20121 certification , the international standard for sustainable event management.This recognition recognizes the work of the Organizing Committee, which combines sporting excellence, environmental responsibility, and social impact.
The certification process, which will be completed in spring 2026, saw the active involvement of CSQA , an independent third-party auditing body, which verified all phases of the event : from conception and planning, to execution, up to post-competition reporting.
The evaluators examined the sustainability policy, organizational processes, supplier selection, arena management, and waste management.
The audit included a “Stage 1” to evaluate the organization's preparedness and a “Stage 2” during the race days , with interviews with staff, volunteers, suppliers and public bodies, confirming the correctness of the procedures adopted.
"This certification confirms our commitment to making the event not just a high-level competition, but also a model of concrete sustainability," emphasizes Paolo Menis, President of the Organizing Committee . "With CSQA, we've been able to measure and improve our practices, with the goal of having a positive impact on the local area and the stakeholders involved."
In 2024, the Under 17 and Under 20 Fencing World Cup was certified carbon neutral according to the PAS 2060 standard , thanks to structured emission reduction strategies and offsetting actions.
These best practices led to the achievement of ISO 20121 certification in 2026 , a standard that led to the definition of a management system capable of generating significant concrete environmental and social benefits : from the reuse of recycled materials to a high rate of waste sorting, from the elimination of paper or the exclusive use of recycled paper to the conscious adoption of plastic-free containers, up to a more efficient organization of group transport.
These actions are supported by the involvement of schools, sustainability training activities, volunteer initiatives, and interventions to remove architectural barriers.
The 20th edition of the Cup , held at the Palaindoor “Ovidio Bernes” in Udine, saw the participation of almost 300 athletes from 40 countries , confirming the international technical level of the competition.
The competitive events took place from January 4th to 6th, 2026, with moments of great sportsmanship and spectacle, while sustainable management was an organizational model also recognized by the leaders of the Italian and International Fencing Federations, present at the event.
With the ISO 20121 certification, the Under 17 and Under 20 Fencing World Cup demonstrates that high-level sporting performance and sustainability can go hand in hand, providing a model that can be replicated for other national and international sporting events.