United Nations Welcomes Korean Taekwondo

(ATR) North and South Korean taekwondo athletes united for a joint demonstration at the United Nations in Geneva, offering further optimism that the countries can move forward as one in Olympic circles.

United Nations director general Michael Moller welcomed athletes and officials from both World Taekwondo (WT) and the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) to Geneva on a sunny Friday afternoon along the shores of Lake Geneva. The 67-year-old Dane spoke of the mutual objectives of peace through sport that the UN shares with the taekwondo federations.

"Sport is an important enabler to reach out to young people worldwide to disseminate the values enshrined in the UN Charter," Moller said.

"The performance we are now going to see is a testament to the power of sport in bringing peace and reconciliation, friendship and harmony.

"This was also proven at the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, when the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea joined teams in an unparalleled display of goodwill.

"We are reminded of this spirit of unity today, as martial artists from these two nations come together, in this historic Assembly Hall, to perform a spectacular show of their common Korean heritage."

World Taekwondo previously visited the UN in Geneva in 2016. Athletes participated in a similar demonstration.

Leading the World Taekwondo (WT) athletes and officials in Geneva was president Chungwon Choue, while Ri Yong Son presides over the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). Divided since 1972, the two federations are attempting to leave their disputes behind with the aim of once again serving the Olympic movement as one.

In his address in the UN’s Assembly Hall, Choue said the two federations "are sharing principles of uniting mankind to foster peace and understanding."

"Many of you remember such a historic moment when the athletes from the two Koreas march together at the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games, but not many of you would remember that WT and ITF had a joint demonstration at the main stadium of the Olympic Games right before the opening ceremony," the South Korean WT president said.

"This is taekwondo that serves as an efficient tool to contribute to the peace and to the human society," he said.

Following a year of improved relations between North and South Korea, many Koreans are optimistic about what the future may bring to the two nations, which have been separated since after World War II.

North and South Korea have seen plenty of tense standoffs and incidents in the past, but 2018 brought North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean president Moon Jae-In together for three historic meetings to improve relations.

Moon has long advocated a policy of engagement and detente towards Pyongyang. The taekwondo federations appear to be following the paths of their respective countries, engaging in stronger relations.

Choue, who has led the WT since 2004, spoke about the bond between his sport’s governing body and the United Nations.

"World Taekwondo has long enjoyed a close relationship with the UN and shares many of its values, particularly in providing opportunities for refugees," he said. "Establishing Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation to empower refugees is part of our efforts."

Moller, who has over 35 years of experience as a civil servant with the UN, spoke of similar ideals and the organization’s desire to fortify partnerships with international sport federations.

For international organizations in general, but in particular for us here in Geneva, we are proactively looking for ways to strengthen our cooperation with international sport federations," Moller said.

"For us, partnering with sport federations will be crucial for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

"The existing cooperation with the taekwondo world federation is very much part of that effort."

International Athletes Forum Opens Saturday

Some 350 athlete representatives are expected to attend the 9th International Athletes Forum, which opens Saturday in Lausanne.

The three-day gathering is being held at the SwissTech Convention Center for the first time in its history and will be the largest to date.

Hosted by the IOC Athletes’ Commission (AC), the event will also include representatives from IFs, WADA, the IPC and the World Olympians Association. The IOC has extended invitations to all NOCs.

Topics to be discussed include the fight against doping, the IOC’s financial model and support to athletes, and athlete mental health. There will also be a focus on the IOC AC Strategy and the Athletes’ Declaration.

The Athletes Forum is closed to the media, though the Main Plenary Sessions can be seen via live-stream on the Athlete365 website.

Written and reported by Brian Pinelli in Geneva

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