Minister Bak Attends Conference of Ministers Responsible for Sport

Minister Bak also attended the conference of ministers responsible for sport. According to a statement from the ministry, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, also took part in the programme. The conference was attended by ministers at ministerial level from 17 countries and by state ministers from 7 countries.

Two panels were held at the conference, titled "Building a Common Commitment for Safer and Healthier Sport" and "From Commitment to Action." In his speech, "Safer and Healthier Sport for All Children," Minister Bak described Türkiye's efforts to combat violence in sport. The events were organised to mark the 10th anniversary of the Council of Europe Convention on an Integrated Safety, Security and Service Approach to Football Matches and Other Sports Events, which was signed in July 2016.

Minister Bak said that in 81 provinces across Türkiye, youth centres, youth offices, youth camps and sports facilities offer children and young people free sports, artistic, educational and social activity areas. He said that through the Sports Schools, Our Streets Are Ours and No One Left Unable to Swim projects, millions of children have been brought into safe sports environments. He added that joint projects are being carried out with the European Union, UNHCR, UNICEF and the Olympic Refugee Foundation to expand access to sport for persons with disabilities and refugees. He also announced that more than 494,000 young people and athletes have been reached through the Addiction Combat Programme and protective camps.

Minister Bak also drew attention to Israel's attacks on Gaza. He stressed that children in Gaza are deprived not only of education and sports opportunities but also of their most basic rights, including living in a safe environment, in violation of international norms.