Paraguayan President and FIA President Officially Open American Congress in Asunción, Welcoming Global Leaders of Motor Sport and Mobility

25.08.25
  • President Santiago Peña and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem have officially opened the FIA Congress, welcoming delegates from across over 30 countries of the Americas. 
  • FIA President Ben Sulayem: “Here in Paraguay, and across the Americas, mobility and motor sport are evolving rapidly, it is truly inspiring to witness.” 
  • The flagship congress will focus on the theme of Safe Mobility and Motor Sport in the Americas.
FIA President meets President of Paraguay

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide today officially opened the FIA American Congress 2025 in Paraguay.  

Held in Asunción, and opened by President Santiago Peña and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the congress is a flagship event on the international mobility and motor sport calendar, bringing together delegates from 33 countries across the Americas and hosted by the Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo (TACPy).  

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: “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. 

“Here in Paraguay, and across the Americas, mobility and motorsport are evolving rapidly. Major infrastructure projects are connecting regions and boosting trade, and 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.    

“I want to extend my sincere thanks to the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Mr. Santiago Peña for joining us on this special occasion, our hosts the Touring y Automóvil Club Paraguayo, and the city of Asunción for their warm hospitality.” 

Paraguayan President Santiago Peña said: “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.” 

“Over the next few days you will be able to experience the legendary hospitality of Paraguay, a country full of caring people.” 

Spanning three days, the Congress will focus on key themes including road safety and education, innovation in mobility and automotive technology, and the continued growth of motor sport in the region. The congress will precede the inaugural FIA WRC Rally del Paraguay, which will be attended by President Peña and FIA President Ben Sulayem in Itapúa. 

-ENDS- 

For media enquiries please contact: 

  • Geri Sherwin, Director of Presidential & Mobility Communications: gsherwin@fia.com  

About The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile 

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport 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, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including seven FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all.