Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan participated in the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport in Monaco, where she delivered an address. The conference was held under the theme “Safer and Healthier Sport for All Children.”
Welcoming the participants, Minister Andreasyan emphasized 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 well-being.
“Sport is an important means of promoting education, healthy lifestyles, social inclusion and solidarity. These values can be fully realized only when every child has the opportunity to participate in sport in an environment where they feel safe, respected and protected,” she said.
Addressing child protection priorities, Zhanna Andreasyan highlighted the importance of preventing all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation, psychological pressure and discrimination in sport. In this regard, she stressed the need for continuous training for coaches and sports professionals, effective child protection procedures, reliable mechanisms for reporting violations, as well as proper investigation of reported cases and support for affected children.
“Protecting children goes beyond ensuring their physical safety. Their mental health, self-esteem and motivation to engage in sport are equally important,” the Minister noted.
Zhanna Andreasyan also presented Armenia's policies aimed at promoting physical activity among children and encouraging their participation in sport, as outlined in the 2024–2030 Strategy for the Development of Physical Education and Sport.
The Minister noted that the Government of Armenia places particular emphasis on the development of grassroots and youth sports. To this end, swimming and skiing programs have been launched for schoolchildren in Armenia's regions, while the “Healthy Lifestyle” subject is being introduced in general education schools.
Minister Andreasyan also underlined the role of sport in fostering dialogue, trust and peace among peoples.
“Policies in the field of sport should contribute not only to ensuring fair and safe competition, but also to promoting the values of stability, solidarity and peace.
Our collective success will become a reality when every child sees sport as an opportunity to discover their potential, grow up healthy, build friendships and develop confidence in the future. Let us join forces to ensure that, for every child, sport is a safe environment, a pathway to a healthy lifestyle, and a bridge to peace and mutual understanding,” Zhanna Andreasyan concluded.
As part of her visit to the Principality of Monaco, Minister Zhanna Andreasyan will also attend the plenary meeting of the Consultative Committee of the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) and hold bilateral meetings with representatives of international sports organizations.