Hanne Juncher, Director of Security, Integrity and Rule of Law
Speaking elements for the “Welcome introduction at the EPAS Diversity Conference”
Distinguished delegates and experts, dear colleagues, dear friends,
It is a pleasure to welcome you to the 2025 EPAS Diversity Conference, which this year is devoted to the topic of “Sport and intergenerational challenges for young people and older persons”.
Let me begin by recalling that inclusion is one of the three pillars of the work of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport, the EPAS, alongside integrity and safety. Inclusion is also a tangible expression of the Council of Europe’s core mission - the protection and promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law - for all people, of all ages.
When the Council of Europe refers to human rights, it emphasises their universality. That means equal entitlement to them - rights for every child, every young person and every older adult. The right, in the general sense, to participate in community life, including through sport, belongs to everyone. This is expressed very well in the European Sports Charter.
Sport, at its best, is not only about competition or performance. It is about health, inclusion, and education - the three dimensions at the heart of the European Sports Charter. It is also one of the few human activities that truly transcends generations.
On the same field or trail, or in the same gym, it brings together people who may otherwise never meet - children, parents, grandparents, neighbours, trainers, leaders, volunteers - to share effort, joy and mutual understanding.
Council of Europe member states today face a profound demographic shift. By 2050, more than a third of Europeans will be over 60. This is a sign of progress - of better health, longer life expectancy and improved living standards. But it also brings challenges. Ensuring that ageing populations remain healthy, active and socially connected is an important policy question.
At the same time, we are witnessing worrying trends in young people’s lifestyles. Sedentary habits, and screen time and the pressure of performance in schools have reduced opportunities for spontaneous physical activity and direct socialisation.
We therefore face similar risks at both ends of the age spectrum - of inactivity, isolation and declining well-being. But also the same opportunity: to harness the power of sport as a tool for both health and connection.
The World Health Organisation reminds us that physical inactivity is one of the leading risk factors for non-communicable diseases - such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke. These are responsible for more than 70% of premature deaths in Europe. Promoting active lifestyles is therefore not simply a matter of personal choice; it is a public health imperative.
Regular physical activity can reduce these risks dramatically, while also improving mental health, cognitive function and social cohesion. For older adults, sport can mean autonomy, dignity and friendship. For young people, it builds confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. For all of us, it means living not just longer but hopefully better as well.
At the Council of Europe, our work is guided by solid normative instruments.
The European Sports Charter calls on governments to make sport accessible, inclusive and safe, and to design policies that encourage participation for all, regardless of age, ability or background.
The Committee of Ministers Recommendation on the promotion of the human rights of older persons reminds member states that older adults have the right to remain full members of society - to participate in community life and to access services without discrimination, including sport.
Similarly, the Council of Europe Youth Strategy 2030 recognises that young people must be empowered to access their rights and to participate meaningfully in decision-making - including in the governance of sport.
Seen together, youth and ageing remind us that intergenerational solidarity is not optional – it is what creates the cohesion of our societies.
Sport can in fact be one of the most effective vehicles for intergenerational dialogue. When young and older people train, volunteer or compete together, they exchange knowledge and values and experiences. They create mutual respect and shared purpose.
This is why intergenerational programmes, such as walking football, mixed-age community teams or senior volunteering in sports events, deserve stronger recognition and support.
Our societies often speak of a “generation gap”. Yet, through sport, we can build a generation link. Sport teaches teamwork, fair play, and empathy - values that are not bound by age, but by participation.
This is also an important message for public authorities. If we want inclusive participation, we must design inclusive environments. It means sport facilities that are accessible, affordable, age-friendly and welcoming. It also means addressing the cultural and socio-economic barriers that discourage participation, whether among young people or seniors.
The EPAS Diversity Conference is intended not only as an occasion to analyse these challenges, although that is certainly important, but also as a call to action. Over the course of the day, we will hear examples from member states, municipalities and organisations that have already found ways to make sport truly intergenerational.
Our job is to learn from these experiences, to identify what works, and to scale up the good practices, whether that is through policy, partnerships or funding. EPAS plays a central role in this process by providing a platform for exchange, peer learning, and a shared commitment to the values of the European Sports Charter.
As we discuss, let us keep in mind the common goal: a Europe where everyone - regardless of age - can enjoy the right to sport, health, and human connection.
We hope that today’s discussions help us build bridges between generations and institutions, and that by working together, beyond this conference, we can ensure that sport remains a space where the dignity and rights of every person - young and old - are recognised and protected.
I would like to conclude by thanking the EPAS for organising this very timely conference, and all of you for contributing your expertise and enthusiasm.