EVENTS

On behalf of the Network, EAS President Prof. Dr. Capranica participated in the 10^th EPAS Conference in Limassol, Cyprus. On that occasion she met with several representatives of international institutions like FISU and others.

The Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) of the Council of Europe organised its 10^th anniversary conference on “Working together to build and consolidate democracy, tolerance and inclusion” in co-operation with Cyprus Sport Organisation on 11 May 2017 in Limassol, Cyprus.

Since its creation in 2007, EPAS has been promoting diversity in and through sport and provided a platform for intergovernmental sports co-operation between the public authorities of its member states. After ten years, it was time to take stock of the achievements of the EPAS diversity activities and to discuss its future strategic orientation. For this reason, high profile speakers discussed the relevance of values, such as diversity and inclusion through and in sport.

The programme featured direct presentations including the results of the EPAS diversity activities, a high-profile panel discussion and workshops on the future strategy of EPAS.

RESOLUTION

The EPAS Consultative Committee adopted a resolution concerning the closure of UNOSDP based on the new cooperation with the IOC announced on the 5 may 2017.

The Consultative Committee of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport under the Council of Europe expresses its concern over the sudden closure of the United Nations Office for Sport Development & Peace, which since the beginning of the century has played an important role as catalyst, adviser and advocate for a wide global group of stakeholders committed to strengthening the role of sport in society.

Given that this decision is very recent and very little information has been given to make a balanced assessment of its impact,

The EPAS CC considers nevertheless that this decision might send a problematic message, at a point in time where the awareness about the societal role of sport is growing in general, and where in particular the UN, several governments and numerous organisations from civil society is wishing to focus on how sport can contribute to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The members of the EPAS CC remain committed to the continuation of the work and initiatives developed by UNOSDP and encourage future policies to be defined through a wide collaborative effort among stakeholders in upholding and protecting the role of sport in society.

On behalf of the Consultative Committee, gathered in Limassol, Cyprus, 9 May 2017

Jens Sejer Andersen

Chair / International director, Play the Game