IDO Participates in the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport in Monaco

The International Dance Organization (IDO) participated in the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport, organised by the Enlarged Partial Agreement on Sport (EPAS) at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

Held under the theme “Safer and Healthier Sport for All Children”, the conference welcomed approximately 300 participants, including 25 ministers and state secretaries, representatives of international sports organisations, European institutions and youth delegates.

IDO was represented by Patrik Perosa, Advisor to the IDO President and Vice-Chair of the Bureau of the EPAS Consultative Committee, and Mika Einmal, IDO Youth Representative in EPAS.

The conference was attended by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and H.S.H. Princess Charlène of Monaco, together with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Protecting Children and Building a Safer Future for Sport

The discussions addressed some of the most pressing challenges facing young athletes, including protection from violence and abuse, physical and mental health, excessive training and the creation of safe and inclusive sporting environments.

On 3 November, the EPAS Consultative Committee also met to discuss safeguarding, youth participation and cooperation between sports organisations and public authorities.

One of the conference's main outcomes was the adoption of the ministerial resolution “Safer and Healthier Sport for All Children and Young People”, reinforcing Europe's commitment to protecting children and promoting their well-being through sport.

The conference also marked developments in international sports governance, including the signing of the Saint-Denis Convention by Andorra and San Marino and the Macolin Convention by Andorra and Monaco.

Every Dancer Matters: IDO's Commitment to Safeguarding

Child protection remains a central priority for the International Dance Organization.

Through its Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, the Every Dancer Matters campaign, educational programmes and the recently launched Respect in Motion bulletin, IDO continues to promote safe, respectful and inclusive environments for dancers of all ages.

Starting 1 January 2027, safeguarding certification will become mandatory for all official personnel at IDO competitions and national team staff, including coaches, teachers and choreographers.

This requirement represents another step in strengthening safeguarding standards across the international dance community.

IDO's Voice in European Sport

Through the participation of Patrik Perosa and Mika Einmal, IDO remains actively involved in European discussions on sports policy, child protection and youth representation.

IDO's engagement in EPAS provides an opportunity to bring the perspective of the international dance community into discussions that shape the future of European sport.

The message from Monaco is clear: every child deserves to participate in sport in an environment where safety, health and respect come first.

For IDO, this commitment continues through its safeguarding initiatives and the shared responsibility of its members, officials, coaches and national organisations to protect dancers worldwide.

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