18th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport Unveiled in Vila Nova de Gaia
On 7 June, the 18th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport was officially presented in Vila Nova de Gaia, marking a significant step towards this major international event. Sílvia Vermelho, Board Member of the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth (IPDJ), highlighted the core themes and objectives of the conference, which is set to take place from 8 to 10 October along the Atlantic Front.
Sílvia Vermelho emphasised the importance of this conference, noting its focus on the governing and governance of sport, as well as addressing gender equality and dual careers. She outlined that the event, held biennially, will convene Sports Ministers from 50 countries.
The conference is expected to draw 50 delegations and 30 European and international sports organisations, showcasing a broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives in the realm of sports governance.
Pedro Duarte, Portugal's Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, underscored the significance of hosting such a prestigious event in Portugal. "Sports cultivate values that should guide our daily lives as a community. The culture of merit and competition is fundamental and helps us all grow," he stated.
Rui Moreira, Mayor of Porto, highlighted the strategic importance of the conference for the Northern region of Portugal, pointing out that it could greatly support Porto and Gaia's bid to become the World Sports Capital in 2027.
The presentation also saw participation from key dignitaries, including the Secretary of State for Sports, Pedro Dias, the mayors of Gaia and Matosinhos, the Head of the Sport Division of the Council of Europe, Sophie Kwasny, and notable sports figures like Rosa Mota, a renowned Portuguese marathon runner and Olympic gold medallist, as well as athletes representing Portugal at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
This conference, organised by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport of the Council of Europe in cooperation with the Government of Portugal, aims to address critical issues in sports governance, fostering cooperation and transparency across the continent. It serves as a platform for discussing key topics such as collaborative governance, good governance practices, and the promotion of gender equality in sports.
Participants from around Europe and beyond are eagerly anticipating this event, which promises to contribute significantly to the development of sports policies and practices globally.
