The Principality will host the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport on 3rd and 4th November at the Grimaldi Forum. Held under the theme ‘Safer and Healthier Sport for All Children’, the summit forms part of Monaco’s presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.
Organised by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS), the summit brings together ministers, international sports administrators, and safeguarding experts to establish coordinated strategies aimed at preventing violence in sport, protecting minors, and supporting youth development through athletic participation.
Focus on safeguarding and youth well-being
The conference will centre on two primary policy pillars. The first addresses the prevention, detection, and response to abuse in sports environments. Delegates will examine how national authorities and governing bodies can establish clear child protection rules, including safety plans, codes of conduct, safer recruitment procedures, case management, and mandatory training. Grounded in human rights and inclusion, these measures aim to involve young people directly in policy formation while protecting vulnerable children.
The second pillar focuses on physical and mental health. Discussions will examine ways to balance athletic performance with psychological well-being, tackling excessive pressure, harassment, and unrealistic expectations that can lead to harmful behaviours, including substance misuse.
Summit proceedings and key speakers
Proceedings commence on Tuesday 3rd November with a session commemorating the tenth anniversary of the Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach at Football Matches and Other Sports Events, known as the Saint-Denis Convention.
The main ministerial summit opens on Wednesday 4th November, chaired by Monaco’s Minister of the Interior, Lionel Beffre. Opening addresses will be delivered by Prince Albert II and Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Princess Charlene will introduce the afternoon sessions.
Key contributors throughout the summit include Bulgarian Minister of Youth and Sports Echo Angelov Keryazov, International Paralympic Committee First Vice President Leila Marques Mota, European para-golf champion Caroline Mohr, FIFA Head of Safeguarding and Child Protection Marie-Laure Lemineur, and International Olympic Committee Safeguarding Senior Manager Gloria Viseras.
The conference will conclude with the formal adoption of a resolution titled ‘Safer and healthier sport for all children and young people’, setting out updated policy standards for member states.
Closing remarks will be delivered by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Monaco, alongside Hanne Juncher, Director of Security, Integrity and Rule of Law at the Council of Europe.
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Photo Credit: Pexels – Kampus Production