Appendix 1

The Berlin Agenda for Action for Government Ministers

The World Summit on Physical Education (1999) reinforces the importance of Physical Education as a life-long process. It is particularly important for every child as articulated in the International Convention on the Rights of the Child. All children have a right to: (1) the highest level of health; (2) free and compulsory primary education for both cognitive and physical development; (3) rest and leisure; play and recreation.

The Berlin agenda calls for action by governments and ministries responsible for education and sport to:

• implement policies for Physical Education as a human right for all children;
  
• recognise that quality Physical Education depends on well-qualified educators and scheduled time within the curriculum, both of which are possible to provide even when other resources like equipment are in short supply;
  
• invest in initial and in-service professional training and development for educators;
  
• support research to improve the effectiveness and quality of Physical Education;
  
• work with international financial institutions to ensure Physical Education is included as part of their of definition of education;
  
• recognise the distinctive role of Physical Education in physical health, overall development and safe, supportive communities;
  
• recognise that failure to provide Physical Education costs more in health care than the investment needed for Physical Education;

Berlin, November 5, 1999.