THE RAFA NADAL FOUNDATION STRENGTHENS ITS COMMITMENT TO INTERNATIONAL SPORTS BY ATTENDING UNESCO’S MINEPS VII

The Rafa Nadal Foundation confirmed the participation of Eunate Gómez, Project Manager, Fani Ginard, Alliance Manager, and Andrés Raga, Director of the Rafa Nadal Foundation Center in Valencia, at MINEPS VII (Seventh International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport). The event took place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from June 26 to 29, 2023, and bringed together governments, intergovernmental organizations, the sports movement, the academic world, and specialized NGOs.

MINEPS VII aims to review global advances in the field of sports and define strategic issues within international sports policies. The conference will specifically reference UNESCO’s International Charter of Physical Education, Physical Activity, and Sport, the Berlin Declaration, and the United Nations’ Agenda 2030/Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Rafa Nadal Foundation has been invited to participate in MINEPS VII due to its key role as a UNESCO partner and its outstanding leadership in the Fit for Life program. During the Commitment session, the Foundation will have the opportunity to reaffirm its dedication and commitment by joining the Fit for Life Baku Alliance, working closely with UNESCO in areas such as impact measurement and gender equality.

Fit for Life, UNESCO’s flagship sports program, aims to promote investments and participation in inclusive and safe sports. This program focuses on addressing challenges such as mental illnesses, inequalities, and physical inactivity, recognizing their intersecting impact. The Rafa Nadal Foundation shares the same objectives and areas of focus, as it promotes sports and education as essential tools for the integral development of children and youth.

In April 2023, the Rafa Nadal Foundation and UNESCO signed a Letter of Intent expressing their interest in collaborating together using sports as a tool for transformation. As part of this commitment, the Rafa Nadal Foundation will join the Fit for Life Baku Alliance, a coalition of partners that utilize sports as a driver of social transformation, with a particular emphasis on advancing gender equality and empowering young people.

Additionally, the Foundation will contribute to promoting sports as a tool to drive non-sport-related outcomes. Furthermore, the Foundation is committed to supporting the development of the Fit for Life Sport and Gender Equality Game Plan and promoting UNESCO’s efforts in joint visibility events and activities.

The participation of the Rafa Nadal Foundation in MINEPS VII represents a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to using sports and education to generate a positive impact on society. Through its collaboration with Fit for Life and UNESCO, the Foundation aims to advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and promote meaningful change in the lives of young people, especially those in vulnerable situations.