In 1932 representatives from 18 countries meeting in Chamois, France, formed the Union International des Association d’Alpinisme and agreed specific tasks to encourage mountaineering for the young, develop international standards, raise awareness about safety, and protect the environment. Today the UIAA is the recognised International Federation and the acknowledged expert on all international climbing and mountaineering matters.
On January 27th 2007, the IFSC was born when 48 National Federations voted to create the new International Federation to govern Competition Climbing. The traditions of climbing lie in the highest mountain ranges. Today's climbers of all ages from more than 80 countries can enjoy sport climbing, challenging gravity and themselves in safety on nature's beautiful rocks around the world
