The 18th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport takes place in Porto, Portugal, addressing key issues in the world of sports.
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| Porto, Portugal, hosts a major international conference on sport, bringing together ministers and sports leaders from around the world. Image Courtesy: CoE |
Porto, Portugal – October 8, 2024:
Over 220 participants from 40 countries have convened in Porto, Portugal, for the 18th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport. The conference, taking place from October 8-10, 2024, will focus on collaborative governing, good governance, gender equality, dual careers, and youth perspectives in sport policies.
The conference was opened by Pedro Duarte, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs responsible for Sport of Portugal, Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, and Linda Hofstad Helleland, Chairperson of the Committee on Culture, Science, Education, and Media of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
Ministers will explore ways to promote transparency, ethics, and effectiveness in sports governance. This includes addressing issues such as corruption, doping, and match-fixing.
The conference will address the importance of gender equality in sport and discuss strategies for promoting women's participation and leadership. This includes addressing issues such as discrimination, harassment, and unequal opportunities.
Participants will discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by athletes who pursue both sporting and academic or professional careers. This includes exploring ways to support athletes in balancing their commitments and achieving success in both areas.
The conference will highlight the importance of involving young people in shaping sport policies and ensuring their needs are met. This includes addressing issues such as access to sport, participation rates, and the role of sport in promoting youth development.
Renowned speakers such as Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, Raymon Blondel, President of the European Paralympic Committee, and Gévrise Emane, Olympic Champion in Judo, will address the conference. These speakers will share their insights and experiences on the role of sport in society and the importance of promoting ethical and inclusive sports environments.
The conference also marked the 10th anniversary of the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions (Macolin Convention), emphasizing the importance of combating fraud and promoting integrity in sport. The Macolin Convention sets out standards for preventing, detecting, and investigating manipulation of sports competitions, and it has been ratified by 48 countries.
The conference serves as a platform for sports ministers to exchange ideas, share best practices, and develop strategies for promoting sport as a force for positive change in society. By addressing key issues such as governance, gender equality, dual careers, and youth participation, the conference aims to help ensure that sport continues to play a vital role in promoting social cohesion, health, and well-being.