WRF President Danilo Barmaz met with longstanding IRF President Joseph Willis Jones at the SportAccord offices in Lausanne, Switzerland on 24th May 2024 where they signed a joint declaration agreeing to "work together as one family to grow rafting as a sport."

The agreement will see the two bodies collaborate on encouraging and supporting harmonious activities of all National Federations while also working together on organising high-level competitions and promoting worldwide.

The significant move marks the start of an effort to unify rafting under one single international organization.

According to a press release sent out by WRF President Danilo Barmaz, a series of meetings have taken place since the declaration was signed with the intent of turning the words in the agreement into concrete actions.

"The goal is to ensure that rafting continues to grow in credibility and efficiency. This work must continue to grow and improve, aiming for the highest sporting stages," said Barmaz. 

"We must continue implementing sports policies for the youth and for the future, strengthening national federations, promoting rafting as a sport for everyone, encouraging the participation of mixed teams in line with the principle of gender equality, and further developing the beautiful event (RX) we have created, which has been so well received by both us and the public," he continued.

A key goal mentioned in the agreement is to ensure the full sustainability of whitewater venues through the participation of a wide audience in amateur practice.

Barmaz signed off by saying "We have already confirmed some exciting events for 2025-2026, of which we will provide more information in the coming weeks, allowing you to make the necessary arrangements for your teams, especially for the youth crews!"