the Americas, four from Asia, four from Europe and one from Oceania. The remaining seven are elected from the world as a whole.

From these 23 voting members of the Bureau, the General Congress elects a President, five vice presidents (one from each continent), and the Honorary Treasurer.

During the Congress, the current FINA Bureau presents proposals to the General Congress. These proposals can include any rule changes, but the FINA Bureau themselves cannot implement these changes. The General Congress must approve them.

During this time, the General Congress and the Bureau will also decide which two countries will win the bids to hold the 2022 and 2024 Short Course World Championships. The announcement will be made via press conference after the conclusion of the World Aquatics Championships.

Previous General Congress

The previousGeneral Congress was held on July 26, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. A new record number of participating National Federations was set in Spain. 170 National Federations sent delegates to participate in this congress. In 2013, Dr. Julio C. Maglione was reelected president. He began his first term in 2009. At this Congress, the FINA Ethics Bureau was established, which was a significant change to the FINA Constitution. There were also slight changes to the general rules including the addition of the 4×50 free and medley relays for both men and women to the list of valid events.