Universal Declaration adopted to strengthen integrity in sport

The importance of cooperation between entities was echoed by Glenn Micallef, European Union (EU) Commissioner for Youth, Intergenerational Justice, Sport and Culture, who addressed the participants via a video message: “Initiatives such as the IFSI are so vital: bringing governments, intergovernmental organisations and the sports movement together has shown how cooperation can make a real difference in fighting corruption and promoting good governance.”

“Integrity is key to strengthening the credibility of European sport and of sport worldwide,” he added. “It is what builds trust, and trust is the foundation of our sporting community.”

Stressing the value of a collective effort to tackle corruption and protect integrity in sport at large, Bjørn Berge, Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe, highlighted the fundamental role of the International Partnership Against Corruption in Sport (IPACS), which was launched at the second IFSI in 2017 and has worked on finding pragmatic solutions ever since: “It is a multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together sports organisations, governments and intergovernmental organisations to promote sports integrity. The Council of Europe, being a co-founder of IPACS, reiterates its commitment to continuing strengthening the Partnership and working alongside the IOC to further promote good governance in sport.”

The recording of the Forum, together with the agenda and list of speakers, can be found here.