The First Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Ministerial Meeting on Sports convened on November 5. 2025, under the theme “From Tradition to Innovation: The Future of Sport in ACD Countries.”
The meeting was held back-to-back with the 13th International Sports Forum “Russia – Country of Sports” in Samara, Russian Federation, marking a significant milestone in advancing sports collaboration among Asian nations.
The meeting was chaired by Mr. Alexander Nikitin, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation, who also serves as Vice President of the Russian Olympic Committee.
Senior officials and sports ministers from ACD member countries participated in the event, exchanging views on how to strengthen cooperation in the field of sports.
Discussions centered on the leading role of ACD member states in fostering sports diplomacy, promoting unity through athletic exchange, and enhancing Asia’s global influence in the international sports arena. The participants emphasized the importance of using sports as a platform for dialogue, peace, and mutual understanding among nations.
This ministerial meeting stemmed from an initiative proposed by the Russian Federation during the 3rd ACD Summit in October 2024, with the aim of building a strong foundation for multilateral cooperation in sports. The gathering underscored the growing recognition of sport as a key component of sustainable development, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connectivity within Asia.
In his address, the ACD Secretary General highlighted the power of sport as a diplomatic tool, noting its unique ability to build bridges of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect among Asian countries.
He called for continued collaboration to leverage sports innovation and tradition as driving forces for unity and progress across the continent.
