The 23rd International Congress of Panathlon International, dedicated to the theme “Panathlon International: 75 Years Inspiring Unity Through Sport”, has concluded in Ghent, Belgium. An event of great institutional and cultural significance, forming part of the celebrations marking the Movement’s 75th anniversary, it brought together Panathlon representatives, international speakers, experts, young leaders and stakeholders from the world of sport.
The Congress was opened by International President Giorgio Chinellato and CREC President Antonio Carlos Bramante, who took part in an insightful interview on the origins of the Movement, its current role and the challenges it faces in the future.
Two intensive days of proceedings focused the debate on the role of sport as a tool for dialogue, cooperation, education, integrity, governance and social cohesion. In today’s world, sport is no longer merely about competition, results or medals, but is increasingly establishing itself as a universal language, capable of transcending borders, cultures and affiliations, creating opportunities for engagement even where institutional dialogue faces the greatest difficulties.
The Congress opened with a welcome address by International President Giorgio Chinellato and continued with an opening lecture by Prof. Thierry Zintz, dedicated to sports diplomacy and sport’s capacity to promote understanding, cooperation and positive relations between peoples and communities.
The first panel, moderated by Antonio Carlos Bramante, Chair of the Culture, Research and Education Commission of Panathlon International, featured Maria Beatriz Rocha Ferreira, Vice-President of ICSSPE, Fahmida Faiza, an expert in sports diplomacy, and Guillermo González López, President of Panathlon Club Colombia. The presentations highlighted Panathlon International’s contribution to sports diplomacy through the promotion of the positive values of sporting activity.
Attention was also paid to the younger generation, with the panel “Youth Participation in Sport Governance: from Principles to Practices”. The discussion was attended by Fábio Figueiras, Panathlon International’s CREC member, Tiago Guilherme of ENGSO Youth, Matilda Tommasi, President of Panathlon Club Junior Trieste Muggia and Panathlon International’s CREC and member of, and Berber Swart, an IOC Young Leader. The debate highlighted the importance of valuing young people not only as key players in sport, but also as active participants in shaping the governance and future of sport.
The theme of fair play and best practices was further highlighted through the international Best Practices Showcase, curated by Alina Baranova, Sander Renson and the General Secretariat, which brought together and presented 47 outstanding projects promoted by Panathlon Clubs from around the world. The second day of the Congress was dedicated to the theme “Shaping the Game: Europe’s Role in the Future of Sport”. Following the opening of proceedings, speakers included Stanislas Frossard, Director of Sport at the Council of Europe; Chiel Warners, Technical Director of the Dutch Athletic Federation; and Georg Häusler, Director of the European Commission’s DG EAC Sport.
Ample time was devoted to round-table discussions on integrity in sport and good sports governance from a European perspective. The panel on integrity, moderated by Dr Cleo Schyvinck, featured Chiel Warners, Guy Goudesone and Michele Colucci. The round table on good governance, introduced by Georg Häusler and moderated by Philippe Vlaemminck, included Prof. Bram Constandt, Walter De Beauvesier Watson and Sven Demeulemeester.
Fábio Figueiras spoke in his capacity as Compliance & Regulatory Manager at KPMG Switzerland, before the closing remarks delivered by Antonio Carlos Bramante, who concluded the congress proceedings by emphasising the value of dialogue and the importance of continuing to strengthen the cultural and educational role of Panathlon International.
The Ghent Congress strongly reaffirmed Panathlon International’s mission: to promote sport that educates, unites, inspires and contributes to building a fairer, more respectful and supportive society. As it celebrates the 75th anniversary of its foundation, the Movement renews its commitment to ethics, sporting culture, integrity, fair play and the active participation of the younger generations.