Opening the conference 19th Council of Europe Conference of ministers responsible for sport alongside H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Secretary General Alain Berset thanked Monaco for placing sport integrity high on the agenda of their first presidency of the Committee of Ministers.
“Human rights, democracy and the rule of law do not stop at the side of the playing field. It is often there that you meet them for the first time. You learn to respect the rules and the referee. To win with dignity. And to accept defeat. This is the essence of democracy,” said Alain Berset.
Sport is central to who Monegasques are
Monaco’s princely family continued their deep involvement in sport with participation at the conference.
“Sport has a unique power, that brings people together. Sport also brings together large audiences for the time of a shared emotion. We know this in Monaco, where we have the privilege of hosting major sporting events. And this dimension is not anecdotal for us. It is central to who we are, and it contributes directly to our ability to speak to the world,” said Prince Albert II in his opening remarks.
Chaired by the Minister of Interior of the Principality of Monaco Lionel Beffre, and with the participation of H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco, some 300 participants, including 25 ministers and state secretaries gathered at the Grimaldi Forum to discuss integrity in sport with a focus on "Safer and healthier sport for all children". The aim of the conference was to provide a platform for dialogue among ministers, senior officials, experts, and representatives of sports governing bodies.
Secure and fun fan experience at football
On 3 November the 10th 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, was celebrated in the margins of the event.
At the end of the conference, a resolution was adopted calling for a safer and healthier sport for all children with the guidance of Council of Europe´s expertise and close cooperation with its 46 member states and partners.
Organised by the Council of Europe’s Enlarged Partial Agreement on sport (EPAS), It will provide a platform for dialogue among ministers, senior officials, experts, and representatives of sports governing bodies.
Read the Secretary General's opening speech
Learn more about the Council of Europe and sport
