On January 27, 2026, at the initiative of the Swiss side, an online meeting took place between the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine and the Federal Office of Sport of the Swiss Confederation (BASPO). The main topic of discussion was the exchange of experience in developing mass and youth sports and its importance for social resilience and recovery.
During the meeting, the Swiss side presented its approach to sport as a component of state policy. In particular, they discussed the national program “Youth and Sport,” through which the state systematically invests in youth and communities. This approach is based on the development of a club system, training and continuous education of coaches, implementation of inclusive programs, and the use of modern management and digital tools.
BASPO representatives emphasized that this model is long-term and comprehensive, not limited to individual projects. In this context, the Swiss side expressed its readiness to share experience with Ukraine and develop a partnership in youth sports and practical knowledge exchange.
For Ukraine, this offer is particularly relevant. The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine is currently working on reforming the sector, including updating the legal framework with a focus on developing a club system as the foundation for mass and youth sports in communities. In this context, Swiss experience is seen as a source of practical approaches that can be adapted to Ukrainian realities, taking into account the conditions of war and future recovery.
The discussion also addressed support for Ukrainian children affected by the war. BASPO is already implementing sports and rehabilitation programs in Switzerland, viewing sport as a practical way to restore children’s sense of safety, mobility, and normal life.
Following the meeting, both sides agreed to continue the working dialogue, exchange expertise, and move toward developing the next steps of cooperation, including potential study visits for Ukrainian specialists to Switzerland.
The Ukrainian side was represented by Minister of Youth and Sports Matviy Bidny, Deputy Minister for European Integration Viktoriya Riasna, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein Iryna Venediktova, as well as representatives of the Ukrainian Embassy in Bern and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The Swiss side was represented by Director of the Federal Office of Sport Sandra Felix, Head of the national “Youth and Sport” program Pierre-André Weber, and Head of the Tenero Sports Center Bixio Caprara.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine expresses gratitude to its Swiss partners for their openness to cooperation, willingness to share experience, and support in developing youth sports in Ukraine.