In Spring 2025, the World English Language Olympics conducted its official Governing Committee elections in accordance with the WELO Charter.Following a global call for nominations and an open international vote, 19 members were elected by international education organisations worldwide.
Together with one permanent seat for the Founding Organisation (SUL Education) and one permanent seat for the Founding Assessment Organisation, the 21-member Governing Committee serves for the 2026–2030 term.
The Committee represents a diverse group of countries and institutions and acts as the strategic and policy-making body of WELO, ensuring transparency, academic integrity, and global standards.
Leadership Structure
The Governing Committee operates through a defined leadership framework designed to ensure strategic coordination, academic integrity, and international representation.
The Committee includes:
Each role is defined within the WELO Charter and aligned with specific responsibilities.
Chair
Juan M. Elizande Sanchez
Spain
Juan M. Elizande Sanchez was elected Chair of the World English Language Olympics Governing Committee for the 2026–2030 term.
As Chair, he:
The Chair serves a four-year term and is responsible for maintaining transparency, institutional integrity, and effective decision-making across all WELO activities.
Vice-Chairs
Damián Ruiz Tierraseca
Vice-Chair for Academic & Assessment Affairs
Oversees academic standards, competition structure, judging frameworks, and collaboration with the Founding Assessment Organisation.
Leads the Academic & Assessment Subcommittee.
Jorge Alberto Otero
Vice-Chair for Agencies & Public Tender Regulation
Supervises national representative selection, public tender compliance, quota implementation, and national governance alignment.
Leads the Agencies & Public Tender Regulation Committee.
Diana Mondria
Vice-Chair for Sponsorship, Brand & External Relations
Leads global partnerships, sponsorship policy, brand consistency, and international outreach strategy.Chairs the Sponsorship, Brand & External Relations Committee
Governance & Accountability
The Governing Committee is elected every four years through a transparent international voting process. The Charter establishes diversity requirements, country representation criteria, and clear role definitions to safeguard fairness and institutional integrity.
Official documents, including the WELO Charter and Public Tender Guidelines, are available upon request.
Election Framework Summary
