Monaco takes part in 17th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport

17ème Conférence des Ministres des Sports du Conseil de l'Europe ©DR

The Principality of Monaco took part in the 17^th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport in Antalya (Turkey) from 25 to 27 October 2022.

The conference brought together the 46 Council of Europe member states as well as non-European states who are parties to the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS): Canada, Morocco and the Holy See.

The Prince’s Government was represented by Mr Gabriel Ravel, Monaco’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe.

During the session, which was chaired by the Turkish Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Mehmet Kasapoğlu, the ministers adopted two resolutions: “Sport for All” and “Rethinking Sport”.

In the first resolution, the ministers condemned the Russian Federation’s aggression towards Ukraine, expressed their support for the refugees and displaced people who are the victims of the conflict, and emphasised the role that sport can play in facilitating their inclusion. They also called for an end to discrimination in sport and for efforts to prevent human rights violations in this area.

In the second resolution, ministers reiterated the critical role of physical activity by promoting it and recognising it as a benefit for health and society. They acknowledged the public health issue posed by doping in amateur sport. The text also addressed the question of the sustainability of sporting infrastructure and the introduction of sports policies compatible with sustainable development.

Finally, two round tables were held on using sport to promote the inclusion of refugees and migrants. They were opened by Clarence Seedorf, a former international footballer and UEFA Foundation for Children Board Member.

The next ministerial conference will be held in Portugal in 2024.