Ministers responsible for sport have adopted a resolution aimed at strengthening the protection of young athletes, following a Council of Europe conference in Monaco attended by nearly 300 participants.
Held at the Grimaldi Forum on Wednesday 4th November, the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport brought together government representatives, international sporting organisations, and experts under the theme “A safer and healthier sport for all children”.
Discussions focused on the prevention of violence and abuse in sport, alongside protecting children’s physical and mental health.
WELLBEING AHEAD OF PERFORMANCE
Prince Albert II opened the conference alongside Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and International Paralympic Committee Vice-President Leila Marques. Monaco’s Minister of the Interior Lionel Beffre chaired the proceedings.
In his opening address, Prince Albert II highlighted sport’s ability to unify people and pass on values of respect, solidarity, and personal achievement. He also stressed the importance of ensuring every child can participate in a safe and trusting environment.
Princess Charlene introduced the afternoon session, emphasising the role of sport in children’s personal and social development. She said their health, wellbeing, and enjoyment should take priority over performance, while highlighting the need to give children a voice and ensure they are heard and supported.
Athlete Caroline Mohr, a Peace Ambassador for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, also contributed to a panel examining practical measures to improve conditions for young athletes.
A COMMON APPROACH TO PROTECTION
The resolution adopted at the conference sets out shared priorities to strengthen prevention, improve responses to violence, and encourage closer cooperation between public authorities and sporting organisations.
The gathering formed part of Monaco’s presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers and was its final major event held in the Principality before the presidency concludes.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Isabelle Berro-AmadeĂŻ delivered one of the closing addresses in her capacity as Chair of the Committee of Ministers.
MONACO SIGNS SPORTS MANIPULATION CONVENTION
Alongside the meeting, Monaco signed the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, known as the Macolin Convention. It is the only international legal instrument dedicated to tackling the manipulation of sporting competitions.
The programme also included a meeting on Tuesday 3rd November marking the 10th anniversary of the Saint-Denis Convention, which addresses safety, security, and services at football matches and other sporting events. Participants reviewed its first decade of implementation and considered future cooperation.
The conference concluded with a government-hosted dinner at the Fairmont hotel, attended by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.
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Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Direction de la Communication