Fourth International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport MINEPS IV Athens, Greece, 6-8 December 2004 |
Recommendations Commission II Physical Education and Sport as a key component of quality Education for All Preamble: Grounds Recalling the results of the global assessment on the alarming situation of physical education and sport in the formal and non-formal framework of education systems and the urgency of adopting specific measures; Taking note of the Final Communiqué of the Round Table of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, in January 2003, which firmly recognized the importance of “physical education, as a key component of quality education and an integral part of lifelong learning, [which] contributes to the acquisition of ethical values and the encouragement of fair play practices”; Recalling the International Charter of Physical Education and Sport, in particular Article 2.3 relating to the role of physical education and sport in education systems; Taking note also of the draft international charter on traditional games and sports, initiated by CIGEPS in accordance with its mandate and the provisions of the Declaration of Punta del Este; Considering United Nations General Assembly resolution 58/5, proclaiming 2005 the “International Year for Sport and Physical Education”; Noting with concern the lack of coordination among the different governmental or semi-public bodies responsible for physical education and sport (at the level of local and national systems, public or private), in particular the difficulties caused by the lack of consistency between the aims assigned to physical education on the one hand and to sport on the other; Aware of the need to respond to regional needs to improve the situation of physical education and sport, preserve and promote traditional games and sports and promote a greater synergy of efforts as well as actions undertaken in the framework of the celebration of the International Year for Sport and Physical Education at all the levels needed for its success under the leadership of UNESCO, the United Nations focal point in the domains referred to in United Nations General Assembly resolution 58/5; In light of the continuing concerns regarding the state and status of physical education and sport in education systems, we urge governments to: take advantage of the many benefits that physical education and sport can give to children and youth including distinctive contributions to their physical, social, affective and cognitive development, as well as acting as a foundation for lifelong physical activity and sports participation, and develop ties of cooperation and collaboration between physical education, sport and other sectors, such as health, environment, culture, heritage and overall education, so as to encourage common initiatives. encourage a broad and inclusive understanding of physical education and sport, to include sports, traditional games, and non-competitive activities. Therefore we recommend for adoption the following main actions: To ensure a secure position for physical education and sport within schools for all children by means of an organized and resourced programme of appropriate activities, supported by quality teacher training. To consider the development of an International Programme to promote physical education and sport based on national and regional needs, focusing on the following: The development of guidelines for basic standards to address at primary, secondary and tertiary level the quality of physical education; The extension and improvement of quality teacher-training opportunities in physical education; The draft Charter for Traditional Sports and Games to be submitted to the next UNESCO General Conference; The development of the capacity to assist and advise States wishing to elaborate or strengthen their physical education and sport training system. The development of an inclusive approach to physical education and sport, with special regard to the participation of girls, women and people with disabilities, characterized by values of respect and tolerance. To establish an international mechanism to follow-up the recommendations of MINEPS IV, allowing for the proposal of adjustments to take account of local and national situations. As the lead agency of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014), UNESCO to play an active role in using physical education and sport as an effective tool in the implementation of this campaign. To support the International Year for Sport and Physical Education, through the advocacy and the implementation of appropriate programmes. http://www.icsspe.org/portal/bulletin-january2005.htm Fourth International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport MYNEPS IV Athens, Greece, 6-8 December 2004