1st Joint International Conference of National Pierre de Coubertin Committees of Africa and Latin America

 “Shaping the Future Together: Educating through Olympic Values and Strengthening Africa–Latin America Cooperation within the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee”

On the occasion of the commemoration of Pierre de Coubertin’s passing on 2 September 1937, the Continental Associations of National Pierre de Coubertin Committees of Africa and Latin America are joining forces for an important new initiative inspired by the contemporary relevance of his educational vision. 

Under the patronage of the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee (IPCC), the two Continental Associations will organize the 1st Joint International Conference of National Pierre de Coubertin Committees of Africa and Latin America on Saturday, 5 September 2026, by videoconference. 

Pierre de Coubertin believed profoundly in the power of education to contribute to human development and in sport as an instrument for bringing people together across geographical, cultural and social boundaries. Today, his vision invites us not only to preserve his legacy, but also to interpret it in the light of contemporary challenges and to transform it into meaningful action. 

The conference therefore looks towards the future. By bringing together educators, researchers, national committees, Pierre de Coubertin Schools and young people from Africa and Latin America, it aims to create new opportunities for cooperation, exchange and joint initiatives founded on Olympic values. 

The discussions will focus on several areas for future collaboration: 

• Spreading Olympic values through the exchange of good practices 
• Initiatives and cooperation among Pierre de Coubertin Schools 
• Development of the Academy of Olympic Educators 
• The Olympic Community Education Programme and the development of youth networks 
• From shared ideas to joint action 
• Olympic Values Education through joint inter-school and inter-university educational and cultural initiatives 
• Pierre de Coubertin Days in Africa and Latin America 
• Joint inter-university research initiatives 
• Joint publications and the sharing of educational and teaching resources 

The conference represents an important step towards building a stronger bridge between Africa and Latin America within the worldwide Pierre de Coubertin movement. It demonstrates how Coubertin’s educational philosophy can continue to inspire new forms of international cooperation, intercultural dialogue and education through Olympic values. 

To remember Pierre de Coubertin today is also to carry his vision forward. By transforming shared values into shared projects, Africa and Latin America are giving contemporary meaning to his belief in education, international understanding and the capacity of young people to contribute to a more peaceful and humane world. 

The 1st Joint International Conference thus marks not only a moment of remembrance, but also the beginning of a new chapter of cooperation between two continents united by education, Olympism and a common commitment to the future. 

Remembrance becomes action, and Coubertin’s legacy becomes something living and forward-looking.