Sport must be a safe environment and a bridge to peace and mutual understandin

Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, Zhanna Andreasyan, attended and addressed the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport in Monaco. The conference was held under the theme “Safer and healthier sport for all children”.

The Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport announced this in a statement.

Welcoming participants, the minister stressed that the true value of sport is measured not only by achievements, medals and records, but also by its ability to contribute to every child’s health, development, dignity and wellbeing.

“Sport is an important means of education, promoting healthy lifestyles, social inclusion and strengthening solidarity. These values can only be fully realised when every child has the opportunity to take part in sport in an environment where they feel safe, respected and protected.”

Addressing priorities for child protection, Andreasyan emphasised the importance of preventing all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation, psychological pressure and discrimination in sport. In this context, she stressed the need for continuous training for coaches and professionals in the sector, effective child protection procedures, reliable mechanisms for reporting violations, proper investigations into reported cases and support for affected children.

“Protecting children is not limited to ensuring their physical safety: their mental health, self-esteem and motivation to take part in sport are equally important,” the minister said.

Andreasyan outlined Armenia’s policy to encourage children’s physical activity and participation in sport, as set out in the 2024–2030 Strategy for the Development of Physical Culture and Sport. She said the Armenian government paid particular attention to developing sport for all and youth sport. To this end, swimming and skiing instruction programmes for school-age children have been launched in Armenia’s regions, while the Healthy Lifestyle subject is being introduced in general education schools.

The minister also stressed the role of sport in strengthening dialogue, trust and peace between peoples.

“Sports policy must contribute not only to ensuring fair and safe competition, but also to promoting the values of stability, solidarity and peace.

“Our shared success will become a reality when every child sees sport as an opportunity to discover their potential, grow up healthy, form friendships and gain confidence in the future. Let us work together to ensure that, for every child, sport is a safe environment, a path to a healthy lifestyle and a bridge to peace and mutual understanding,” Andreasyan said, concluding her address.

During her visit to the Principality of Monaco, Andreasyan will also attend a plenary meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport and hold bilateral meetings with officials from international sporting bodies.