Kosovo Signs the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration

The Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOC), together with 15 sports and educational institutions, has officially signed the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, joining the global IWG network of networks to promote equality, inclusion and empowerment for women and girls in sport.

The signing ceremony took place at the Swiss Diamond Hotel in Prishtina and was organized by the KOC through its “Women and Sport” Commission.

This important event for Kosovan sport was attended by Annamarie Phelps, Chair of the UK Secretariat and Co-Chair of the IWG Global Executive and Tarja Krum, President of the ENGSO Equality Within Sport Commission, whose member is also Rejhan Halili, International Relations Officer at KOC.

Commitment to equality and inclusion

In his address, KOC President Ismet Krasniqi praised the signing of the Declaration, emphasising the collective responsibility it represents toward ensuring equality in sport:

“This is an important moment for the Olympic Movement and for Kosovan sport in general, as through this act we reaffirm our pledge to build an inclusive, fair and equal sporting system for everyone, regardless of gender. Gender equality is not merely a moral or social principle - it is a necessity for the development and success of sport in our country. Every time we give girls the space they deserve in sport, we give sport itself the opportunity to become fairer, more attractive and stronger.”

Speaking at the event, Annamarie Phelps highlighted the importance of this milestone and the opportunities that come with genuine inclusion:

“Kosovo already has many successful women in sport, and now is the time for sports institutions to show that they are committed to giving women the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

It is now time to make sport something normal for girls - to make inclusive decisions that consider their needs and ambitions.

In every analysis of future sports trends I have read this past year, three key themes emerge. You may know that revenues from women’s sport in 2025 were predicted to surpass $1 billion for the first time; in fact, they have already exceeded those expectations, and growth is accelerating. Moreover, 4 billion women around the world today control $31.8 trillion in discretionary spending.”

Her remarks underscore both the social and economic significance of equality in sport, celebrating Kosovo’s leadership in advancing this shared global vision.

Tarja Krum, President of the ENGSO Equality Within Sport Commission, congratulated the KOC and its partners for their collaboration and vision:

“It is truly inspiring to see all these federations and organizations gathered here, along with universities, representing the intersection of genders in sport, which is at the core of ENGSO’s mission.”

Iber Alaj, Director of the Department of Sport, also recognized the success of Kosovo’s athletes, noting that many of the country’s greatest sporting achievements have been led by women. Thanks to the nation’s female judokas, Kosovo has won five Olympic medals - three of them gold.

Among the attendees was Olympic champion Nora Gjakova, who signed the declaration on behalf of the Kosovo Judo Federation. She said:

“I am deeply honored to be here, surrounded by people who share the same vision and passion for the future of women’s sport

Gjakova was honored with the ‘Recognition of Inspiration - Ambassador for Women’s Sport’ award, along with fellow Olympic medalists Majlinda Kelmendi, Distria Krasniqi, and Laura Fazliu. From other sports, mountaineer Uta Ibrahimi and basketball player Enisa Kamerolli also received certificates of recognition.

At the conclusion of the event, participants wrote personal messages for women in sport, displayed on a specially prepared “Tree of Inspiration.”

Signatories of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration in Kosovo:

• Kosovo Olympic Committee

• Kosovo Paralympic Committee

• Kosovo Judo Federation

• Kosovo Volleyball Federation

• Kosovo Basketball Federation

• Kosovo Karate Federation

• Kosovo Boxing Federation

• Kosovo Wrestling Federation

• Kosovo Autosport Federation

• Kosovo Rugby Federation

• Women Football Club Prishtina

• Agency for Gender Equality – Office of the Prime Minister

• Special Olympics Kosovo

• Center for Gender Studies

• Faculty of Physical Education and Sport

• UBT College