Welcome to the 2024 Global Martial Arts Forum!

It is with great pleasure that I welcome all participants to this prestigious event, hosted by the International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement under the auspices of UNESCO (ICM). This forum, held from October 7th to 9th, 2024, in the historic city of Chungju, Republic of Korea, represents a remarkable gathering of martial arts enthusiasts, practitioners, scholars, and cultural heritage experts from around the globe.

The theme of this forum, 'Martial Arts as Living Heritage: Its Past, Present, and Future,' highlights the rich history and enduring significance of martial arts in our cultural heritage. This event aims to disseminate, share, and expand the role and values of traditional martial arts, enhancing their visibility and raising awareness of their importance as living heritage. Moreover, this forum is crucial as it seeks to promote the diverse values of martial arts and foster sustainable development through a culture-inclusive interdisciplinary approach, facilitated by the ICM, a UNESCO Category 2 Center under the Social and Human Sciences Sector.

During the forum, we will engage in meaningful exchanges and activities across various stakeholders, including local communities, the private sector, and government entities. Our discussions will focus on safeguarding and preserving the cultural diversity of martial arts, addressing the challenges faced since their inscription on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and exploring visions for their sustainable development.

The forum will feature an array of presentations, master classes, and panel discussions that illustrate how martial arts contribute to addressing contemporary societal issues. We will also honor the laureate of the UNESCO ICM Martial Arts Education Prize and enjoy exhibitions showcasing the artistic expressions of martial arts through photography.

Your presence here not only enhances the international visibility of martial arts but also reinforces our collective commitment to preserving and promoting this invaluable culture for future generations. Together, I hope to strive towards a future where the universal values of martial arts and their cultural diversity is cherished and sustained.

I wish you a fruitful and inspiring 2024 Global Martial Arts forum.

Sincerely yours,