Dancing Towards Peace
The statement of the Festival of Nations on armed conflicts, neutrality, flags and cultural symbols.
Our shared commitment
Bachata Geneva Festival, "The Festival of Nations", unites dancers from different countries, cultures and communities through their love of bachata. We recognise the complex and sensitive nature of global geopolitics, including the ongoing conflicts in various regions around the world. We pay special attention to the conflicts involving Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Palestine, to mention the best known, without forgetting that there are currently more than 100 armed conflicts around the world, according to the latest count of the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.
With this in mind, the Bachata Geneva Festival is an apolitical event committed to creating a global dance community, promoting inclusivity, non-discrimination, mutual understanding across all nations and cultures, respect for human rights, and peace.
We stand with the innocent victims of all conflicts. We recognise the suffering experienced by people affected by violence, displacement and oppression around the world, including in Israel-Palestine and Ukraine-Russia. Our commitment to peace includes compassion for victims, protection of civilians, respect for human rights and support for accountability for serious violations of international law.
Our festival is non-partisan. Participation and the celebration of a national or cultural identity do not imply endorsement of any government, armed force or political movement. National flags and cultural symbols are welcome under our Code of Conduct; a flag alone is not political advocacy. Organised political campaigning, propaganda, materially disruptive protest, military or extremist advocacy, hate speech, threats and intimidation are not permitted. Respectful personal conversations are welcome, and political neutrality will never be used to dismiss discrimination, harassment or threats. Any competition-specific restrictions are stated separately, in the BSWC participation rules below.
Ukraine-Russia
We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and with all civilians affected by Russia's invasion, displacement and loss. We support a just and lasting peace. We condemn attacks on civilians and other serious violations of international humanitarian law, and support accountability through competent international institutions.
Russian, Belarusian and Ukrainian dancers must be treated with dignity as individuals. Nationality alone does not establish personal responsibility for a government's actions. Participation in our events does not imply endorsement of any government or military action, and propaganda, intimidation, glorification of violence and harassment are incompatible with our values. BSWC competition eligibility and national representation are governed by its separately published rules (see the BSWC participation rules below).
Israel-Palestine
We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people and all civilians affected by violence, loss and displacement. We condemn atrocities against civilians and support humanitarian access, protection of children and medical services, and accountability. We acknowledge the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry's September 2025 finding that Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. We support the prevention of further atrocities and a just and lasting peace in which Palestinians and Israelis live in safety, dignity and with their rights respected.
Israeli and Palestinian participants are welcomed as individuals. Antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism and Islamophobia have no place in our community.
Flags and cultural symbols
We welcome expressions of national and cultural identity. A flag alone does not imply endorsement of a government. However, certain flags or symbols may cause distress or heightened tensions. Taking the circumstances into account, the organising team may request that a flag or symbol not be displayed, or be put away, where reasonably necessary to preserve a safe, respectful and peaceful environment.
This applies throughout the event, including the Nations Parade, opening ceremony, podium presentations and awards. Requests concern the public display of symbols, not a judgment on a participant's nationality, identity or beliefs. Participants are expected to cooperate. Specific BSWC rules on flags and national representation also apply.
BSWC participation rules
The Bachata Social World Cup (BSWC) retains its existing competition eligibility and neutral-representation rules for the time being, despite changes to International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) guidance. This is BSWC's own decision, informed in part by Ukraine's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS/TAS) in Lausanne against the IOC's July 2026 reinstatement of the Russian Olympic Committee. We will review our position in light of the appeal's outcome and other relevant developments, and clearly communicate any changes. The competition's separately published rules apply.
Let's dance together in a spirit of peace, dignity and mutual respect.
Bachata Geneva Festival, The Festival of Nations
Statement dated 21 September 2026.