YOUNG OLYMPIC BOARD NETWORK EUROPE (YOBE) NETWORK MEETING IN LIECHTENSTEIN
The Young Olympic Board Network Europe (YOBE) continues to thrive as a dynamic platform for young leaders within the Olympic Movement. Building on the success of our previous gatherings in Copenhagen, Billund, Lisbon, Paris, and Malta, we are excited to invite your NOC’s board members under the age of 45 to our upcoming meeting in Liechtenstein.
The Young Olympic Board Network Europe (YOBE) is a peer-based network for European National Olympic Committee (NOC) board members under the age of 45. It functions as a structured but informal platform for exchange among a new generation of decision-makers within the Olympic movement.
From a governance perspective, YOBE serves three core purposes:
- to facilitate experience-based knowledge sharing on board work, leadership roles, and international sport governance;
- to strengthen horizontal networks across European NOCs at an early stage of board members’ careers; and
- to contribute to longer-term leadership capacity and continuity within the Olympic system.
The network is deliberately non-representative and non-political in nature. It does not adopt positions or speak on behalf of NOCs, but instead provides space for open dialogue, reflection, and peer learning across different national contexts. Diversity, in terms of gender, geography, and professional background, is treated as a structural asset that improves the quality of discussion and shared learning.
YOBE meets twice annually: one in-person meeting hosted by a rotating NOC and one online meeting. The meetings are designed to be practical, discussion-driven, and closely connected to the real governance challenges faced by NOC board members, while remaining complementary to existing formal European and international structures.
Why Should You Attend?
This meeting is designed to:
- Strengthen the European network of young NOC leaders.
- Foster the exchange of innovative ideas and best practices, that can support the work of our NOCs.
- Empower young European board members to strengthen their contribution and impact within the Olympic Movement.
- Collaborate on a shared European vision for the future, with a focus on diversity, responsible leadership, and the role of sport in society.
Your NOC’s participation is vital as we work together to build a connected, forward-thinking community of European young leaders. We encourage you to nominate a board member under the age of 45 who can contribute to these important discussions.
Agenda
Wednesday, 8. April 2026
All day
Arrival in Vaduz
Your hotel room is ready after 15:00.
You will find the address of your hotel in the final confirmation mail we will send you.
19:45
Meeting point: Hotel Lobby (Vaduzerhof)
Group walk to the Welcome Apéro
20:00
Welcome Apèro at the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein (Museum of Contemporary Art) (Link to Kunstmuseum)
Thursday, 9. April 2026
8:50
Meeting point: Hotel Lobby (Vaduzerhof)
9:00
Walking tour through Vaduz guided by Liechtenstein Marketing
Participants not joining the walking tour are asked to proceed directly to the Rathaussaal (Link to Google Maps)
10:00
Opening of the YOBE Meeting 2026
- Welcome Addresses
- Information, Updates and Reports
- Overview of the Liechtenstein Sports System (presented by LOC Secretary General Beat Wachter)
12:30 (approx.)
Lunch Break
Join us for a traditional lunch. Olympian Martha Bühler will prepare the traditional dish Käs-Chnöpfli (fresh pasta with mountain cheese). A suitable alternative will be provided for participants with dietary requirements. Please inform Pavlos at latest at 10 o'clock about your preferences.
Afternoon programm
14:00 (approx.)
Continuation of the programme
Topic: The Future of the Olympic Movement in Europe
- Where is the Olympic Movement headed under the new IOC President
- Key challenges and opportunities
- Required skills for the future
- Role of the YOBE network
Programme Elements
- Speech by HSH Princess Nora of Liechtenstein, IOC Member
- Panel Discussion
- Open Discussion / Q&A
- Group Work
- Conclusion
17:00
End of programme
Evening Programme
17:30
Meeting point: Hotel Lobby (Vaduzerhof)
Group walk towards Vaduz Castle
18:15
Reception at Vaduz Castle
Her Highness Princess Nora and Princess Anunciata of Liechtenstein will have the pleasure to welcome you on Schloss Vaduz.
Dresscode: Business casual
Please note: short uphill walk (approx. 100 metres elevation gain).
An alternative transport option is available for participants with reduced mobility. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
19:30
Group walk to the restaurant
20:00
Dinner at Restaurant Löwen, Vaduz (Link to Google Maps)
Friday, 10. April 2026
Morning Programme
08:30
Start of Day 2 – Sports Diplomacy
- Keynote Speech by Carlotta Giussani, Director of EOC EU office
- Open Discussion / Q&A
- Group Work
Key Questions
- How can your NOC strategically use sports diplomacy
- Which goals are realistic given your NOC’s size and positioning
- Conclusion, Summary and Recap
Sports diplomacy is the strategic use of sport by countries to advance political, economic, or cultural goals—such as hosting major events or investing in sports infrastructure—to boost global reputation and soft power. Today, it involves a diverse range of actors beyond governments, including sports organizations, athletes, and businesses, making coordination and narrative framing essential for success.
12:30
Official end of the YOBE Meeting 2026
12:30 – 13:30
Farewell Drink
General Information
- All locations are within walking distance (approx. 5–20 minutes)
- Please be punctual at all meeting points
Important Information
Here you will find more important information about the Hotel, Transportation and Registration.
Please confirm your board member’s participation by February 7, 2026, using the registration form.
The registration has been closed.
Should you have any questions about the YOBE network contact Nina Skyhoj Babore from the Danish NOC.
For any question about the meeting itself contact Patrick Risch from the NOC Liechtenstein
The closest airport is Zürich (ZRH) in Switzerland. From Zürich Airport take the train to Sargans via Zürich Main Station. You find the train schedule here: LINK
From the Airport to Sargans it is a trainride of 1h 17minutes.
From Sargans you may take the public bus to Vaduz. You may take either Line 12E to Vaduz Städtle or Line 11 towards Feldkirch. Exit a "Vaduz Post" or "Vaduz, Städtle"
Alterenativley we will provide a shuttle service with the following times. Please note you must tell us in advance if you would like to get on the shuttle. There is limited capacity.
Shuttle Schedule
Wednesday, 8. April 2026
Shuttle 1: Departing in Sargans at 18:40, arriving around 19:00 in Vaduz at the Hotel.
Shuttle 2: Departing in Sargans at 21:40, arriving around 22:00 in Vaduz at the Hotel.
Thursday, 9. April 2026
Departing in Sargans at 9:40, arriving in Vaduz on time for the meeting.
Your train departs at Zürich Airport at 8:15 and arrives at 9:32 in Sargans
(We will bring your lugage to the Hotel).
There are other options to travel from Sargans to Vaduz:
- by Taxi: Taxi Fluor LINK is right at the train station. Be aware that Taxis in Switzerland and Liechtenstein are rather expensive. Ask for a quote before boarding the Taxi.
- by Bus: Take the LieMobil Bus from the trainsation in Sargans to Vaduz. Bus line 11 and 12E takes you by a scenic route to Vaduz. Leave the bus at the stop "Vaduz Städtle"
Accomodiation
We have made a group reservation at the Hotel Vaduzerhof
Address: Städlte 3, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Phone: +423 237 46 46, Mail: , Website: https://www.vaduzerhof.net/
One night’s accommodation (April 9-10, 2026) including breakfast will be provided for all participants by the Liechtenstein Olympic Committee.
Any additional nights must be paid by the participants themselves at the check-in.
Prices:
Single room : CHF 155.– per night and room
Double room : CHF 195.– per night and room