As Monaco holds the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for the first time, the Principality intends to use sport as a lever for dialogue, cooperation and protection. Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, sets out the ambitions behind this sports diplomacy and the priorities Monaco is pursuing in favour of safer, more inclusive sport, particularly for young people.
Monaco was named World Capital of Sport in 2025 and regularly hosts major international sporting events. How does the Principality intend to turn this sporting identity into a genuine instrument of influence and diplomatic action?
Sport and the hosting of major sporting events has been an integral part of the Principality’s identity for over a century, giving it the image of a dynamic country at the heart of world-class excellence, where the greatest champions come seeking, beyond the records themselves, the unique thrill of winning on a legendary track, court or circuit. It is therefore only natural that Monaco has already placed sports diplomacy at the centre of its priorities. This is evidenced by the fact that Monaco’s Ambassador to the United Nations in New York has co-chaired the Group of Friends of Sport for Development and Peace for more than fifteen years. Through intensive intergovernmental negotiations and by organising events every year, Monaco isrecognised within the world’s foremost diplomatic forum as a leading player in promoting sport for sustainable development.
In an international context marked by tension and the fragmentation of multilateral dialogue, what part can sport play in Monegasque diplomacy and in building cooperation between states ?
Sport is a universal language. It has the unique power to forge a connection with a stranger, whatever their language, origin
or beliefs. International sporting events illustrate people’s innate capacity to come together, even in sporting rivalry, around a shared set of rules. And at national level, history has given us many examples of sport reconciling two communities after a conflict. That said, while sport is a formidable cata
lyst for dialogue, states still have to want it to play that role. Monaco firmly believes that dialogue, multilateralism and respect for the rules are the only ways to build a peaceful and just world for our citizens and future generations.
The Principality holds the Presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for the first time. What priorities does Monaco wish to focus on during this Presidency, and what place do youth, pro tection and social cohesion occupy within it?
Young people are the future of our societies. They are both vulnerable and a source of solutions. They must therefore be involved in and listened to on matters that concern them. This is something the Monegasque Presidency has sought to do across several areas, including, for example, the fight against disinformation,through a conference and interactive workshops due to be held on 9 and 10 November. The Monegasque Presidency of the Committee of Ministers is built around the following vision: “Protecting everyonethrough an effective Organisation to address current challenges.”
The main priorities are the protection of women, children and young people, support for the European system for the protection of human rights, the fight against organised crime, and support for international peace and justice.
Among these priorities, sport occupies a special place, particularly through child protection. Why did the Principality want to place this issue at the heart of its Presidency, and what role must states and sporting organisations now play?
Sport makes an essential contribution in the fields of education, physical and mental health, gender equality and social inclusion, and it fosters healthy lifestyles, team spirit and tolerance. However, sport can only reach its full potential within a framework that is inclusive, participatory and safe. Children must be protected against all forms of violence and discrimination, including within the sporting sector.
This ambition will culminate in the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport, held in Monaco on 3 and 4 November around the theme “Safer and healthier sport for all children”.Beyond statements of principle, what concrete progress would you like to see come out of this meeting, and what legacy does Monaco wish to leave on these issues?
Up to 300 participants and representatives from sports ministries and sporting organi sations are expected on 3 and 4 November to discuss the prevention, detection and handling of the violence and abuse suffered by children, as well as the need to place children’s development
and wellbeing at the heart of sporting practice.
This flagship event of the Monegasque Presidency of the Committee of Ministers will allow for concrete exchanges on good practice to strengthen public policy, for example in the training and recruitment of coaches and sporting professionals.Children’s mental health, along with the fight against harassment and doping, will also be addressed.
