The Vatican summit of world leaders on children’s rights has led to a new initiative for Africa – the 5P Europe Foundation will launch a program promoting sports for children and youth.
Pope Francis participated in the International Summit of World Leaders on Children’s Rights, which took place in early February 2025 in the Vatican. The goal of the event was to find new ways to support and protect millions of children worldwide who are still deprived of basic rights and living in difficult conditions. One of the outcomes of the meeting was the signing of a groundbreaking initiative promoting a healthy lifestyle among African children and youth – a project by the 5P Europe Foundation.
The 5P Europe Foundation’s New Project for African Children
The initiator and donor of the pilot physical health promotion initiative by the 5P Europe Foundation is the Foundation’s Ambassador, Robert Szustkowski. The project, which has gained the approval of Pope Francis and world leaders, is set to be implemented in 2025. It is being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Gambia under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and involves the construction of 100 sports zones for children. Each zone will be equipped with exercise equipment, including pull-up bars and gymnastics parallel bars, to support muscle development and physical fitness.
The 5P Europe Foundation emphasizes that this initiative aligns with its mission to promote physical activity and a healthy lifestyle among young people. The pilot project will initially be launched in Gambia, one of the poorest countries in the world, as an important element of support for children’s education and development. Upon successful implementation in Gambia, the project is planned for expansion to other countries, including Ukraine and Palestine.
Nomination to the Papal Committee for World Children’s Day
As part of global efforts for children’s rights, the Ambassador of the 5P Europe Foundation, Robert Szustkowski, was honored with a nomination as a member of the Papal Committee for World Children’s Day, which he accepted. This institution was established by the Holy Father to promote the rights and well-being of children worldwide. This distinction highlights Szustkowski’s commitment to global humanitarian initiatives and support for the youngest. “I deeply appreciate this opportunity and remain fully committed to our shared vision of a world where the dignity, rights, and potential of every child are nurtured and protected,” said Szustkowski.
The Vatican summit brought together leading activists, world leaders, and experts in the field of children’s rights. Among the participants were Queen Rania of Jordan, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar University in Cairo Ahmed el-Tayeb, former Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, and the head of Interpol, Ahmed Naser al-Raisi. Poland was represented by Dr. Marek Michalak, former Ombudsman for Children.
At the conclusion of the discussions, Pope Francis highlighted the dramatic situation of children who fall victim to violence, exploitation, and armed conflicts. The organizers reminded attendees that every day, 14,000 children die worldwide from preventable causes. As a result, the summit’s motto became: “Let us love them and protect them.”
