For the first time, Liechtenstein hosted the Council of Europe's Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) biennial Diversity Conference "Inclusion of Child Migrants and Refugees in and through Sport" under the framework of its Committee of Ministers presidency. One of the presidency priorities is the focus on children, youth and education.
"We aim at promoting a forward-looking and inclusive orientation for the Council of Europe. Sport not only brings people together, strengthens mental health but it also creates mutual understanding and appreciation. It is of paramount importance that we further these qualities and build on what we already have. It is an opportunity not to be missed, an opportunity with far greater returns on investment than many others, said Dominique Hasler, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Sport of the Principality of Liechtenstein, at the opening of the conference.
The aim of the conference was to assess the current state of play and propose a drive for change in the inclusion of child migrants and refugees in and through sport. The agenda included panels with experts looking into the current situation and the way forward, and in particular how the Council of Europe can play a meaningful role.
"Since its creation in 2007, EPAS has promoted dialogue and co-operation between public authorities and sport stakeholders to make sport more ethical, more inclusive and safer. This often means addressing sensitive and difficult issues, issues for which leadership is needed. The aim is to create inclusive and welcoming environments where child refugees and migrants can access the benefits of sport and experience positive integration into their new communities. This conference will enrich and inspire us all to go even further", said Marja Ruotanen, Council of Europe Director General of Democracy and Human Dignity.
EPAS Diversity Conference: "inclusion of child migrants and refugees in and through sport is investment with great returns"
