The International Council of Traditional Sports and Games (ICTSG) proudly participated in the United Nations' esteemed Summit of the Future 2024, held at UN Headquarters in New York from September 20-23, 2024. This summit, being held on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, brought together Heads of State, experts, and organizations to tackle pressing global challenges and to adopt the Pact for the Future, which emphasizes on taking bold, equitable, and transformative actions to advance the 2030 Agenda and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Khalil Ahmed Khan, President of ICTSG, led a distinguished delegation in high-level discussions, underscoring the vital role that traditional sports and games play in promoting peace, unity, and intercultural dialogue. Their participation reaffirmed ICTSG’s commitment to preserving and promoting traditional sports as a key element of cultural diversity.
During his interactions in the summit, Mr. Khan articulated the potential of traditional sports to contribute significantly to global peace-building efforts. He advocated for the integration of traditional sports into educational curricula worldwide, emphasizing their capacity to cultivate mutual understanding and respect among diverse cultures. He urged world leaders to enhance support for initiatives aimed at preserving intangible cultural heritage, particularly traditional sports, aligning these efforts with the United Nations' Agenda for the Pact of the Future.
The ICTSG showcased its ongoing initiatives to safeguard traditional sports and games in regions where they are at risk of fading into obscurity. Mr. Khan highlighted that traditional sports provide unique opportunities for inclusivity, community development, and healthy lifestyles.
The summit also served as a platform for ICTSG to establish meaningful partnerships with governments, educational institutions, and international organizations. Delegation members engaged in discussions with various stakeholders to explore collaborative projects that empower youth through traditional sports while addressing broader global objectives such as sustainability, education, and equality.
A major highlight of the event was Mr. Khan’s meeting with Mrs. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO. Both leaders committed to collaborating on the preservation and development of traditional sports and games. Mrs. Azoulay expressed enthusiasm for the progress made by ICTSG in alignment with UNESCO’s Road Map, while Mr. Khan assured his dedication to this mission, with the Director-General assuring to take part in ICTSG initiatives in the future.
As ICTSG continues its advocacy for cultural heritage through traditional sports, its involvement in the UN's Summit of the Future 2024 represents a crucial advancement toward fostering a more inclusive and culturally enriched global community.
