Lausanne, February 7, 2009 – The FIVB met with the Continental Confederations recently to discuss Volleyball development and open a new platform for direct and constructive dialogue with each Confederation with the aim of improving development work around the world.

FIVB's development policy and the organisation's approach to development in relation to the Confederations were discussed in the wide-ranging meeting. Development initiatives such as Mass Volley and Volley All festivals were also on the agenda, with discussions centering on the need for Category 1 and 2 National Federations to introduce more activity in their countries and to consider Mass Volley events because of the interest they generate in terms of media and to potential sponsors as a promotional tool.

FIVB President Jizhong Wei, FIVB Development Commission President Vicente Araujo, FIVB Technical and Development Director Helgi Thorsteinsson and the responsible Development Officer from each Confederation attended the meeting. The FIVB invited each Confederation to discuss its needs and priorities in the field of development.

The FIVB President gave strong signals to the Confederations that they should remain hands-on in their approach to working with National Federations. The main principle President Wei underlined was the National Federations acting first to show their commitment in order for the FIVB to assist them.

"It is important for the Continental Confederations to be proactive as the FIVB should not organize every course and Volleyball activity. The Confederations should take part of the responsibility and this should lead to better results and a better use of resources," said President Wei.

The Confederation Development Officers present were AVC Chairman Development and Marketing Committee Ramón Suzara, CAVB Technical Director Howyda Mondy, CEV Senior Vice-President Philip Berben, CSV Executive Manager Laura Calello and NORCECA National Federation Coordinator Arateide Cáceres Hernández.