Event
UNESCO announces sports and martial arts seminar to enhance youth wellbeing in Asia
UNESCO and its affiliate, the International Centre of Martial Arts for Youth Development and Engagement (UNESCO ICM), will co-host the 2024 International Martial Arts Seminar from 7 to 8 November 2024 at UNESCO ICM in Chungju-si, Republic of Korea. The seminar, themed ‘Beyond the Games – Addressing Mental Health and Wellbeing: Harnessing the Power of Sports and Martial Arts’, will explore how sports and martial arts can mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and digital transformation on young people's mental health and wellbeing.
Participants will discuss existing practices and challenges in using sports and martial arts to promote youth mental and physical health. They will also design initiatives to be implemented across the Asia-Pacific region under UNESCO’s Fit for Life global framework.
Context
In 2019, UNESCO and the ICM introduced the Youth Development Principles for Martial Arts Organizations, published in (UNESCO, 2019). The Principals emphasize core values such as health, safety, participation, and inclusion.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated youth mental health issues globally, with the Asia-Pacific reflecting these trends. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hyper-urbanization, environmental degradation, social inequality, and digitalization are creating rising levels of social isolation, stress, and anxiety among Asian youth. Meanwhile, the prevalence of chronic and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continues to grow.
UNESCO and ICM recognize the power of sports, particularly martial arts, to combat physical inactivity, prevent mental health issues, and promote healthy lifestyles. Through its Fit for Life initiative, UNESCO is committed to safeguarding youth development through sports and disseminating good practices.
The Challenge Ahead
Despite the critical role sports play in mental health and societal wellbeing, there remains a paucity of evidence-based research and comprehensive policies effectively linking sports and martial arts to youth mental health improvement. Challenges include geographical knowledge gaps, insufficient funding, and a lack of coordinated efforts among stakeholders. Addressing these issues requires cross-disciplinary collaboration and shared learning through joint initiatives.
Objectives of the seminar
- Provide a platform for educators, academia, policy-makers, and sports and mental health organizations to explore the links between sports and mental health, sharing best practices through an intersectional approach.
- Showcase UNESCO research on youth mental health and urbanization in Asian cities, using Bangkok as a case study.
- Guide the development of the UNESCO-ICM Fit for Life joint initiative in Asia-Pacific, with evidence-based regional insights.
Who should attend?
Participation is by invitation and includes:
- UNESCO experts from regional offices in Asia-Pacific
- ICM representatives and staff
- Researchers, practitioners, and advocates from Asia-Pacific and beyond
- Representatives from the Government of the Republic of Korea
- Relevant UNESCO Chairs and other Korean Category 2 Centres
- Local academics and students with relevant expertise
Details:
Event
7–8 November 2024
Hours
7 November: 9.00 a.m. – 8.30 p.m. (including reception dinner)
8 November: 9.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. (including lunch)
Location
UNESCO ICM, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Republic of Korea
Arrangements
The event will be held in-person and live-streamed on .
For more information:
This is an invitation-only event. To learn more or discuss future collaborations with UNESCO Bangkok on youth and sports development initiatives, please contact: Social and Human Sciences (SHS) Unit, UNESCO Regional Office in Bangkok: shs.bgk(at)unesco.org.
#YouthEmpowerment #SportForDevelopment
