UNESCO: The General Conference in Samarkand establishes International Taijiquan Day
- FADAM Games
- Nov 19, 2025
- 3 min read
On November 5, 2025, the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference adopted a resolution designating March 21 (spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere) as "International Tai Chi Chuan Day".
For the first time in its history, the UNESCO General Conference was held outside of Paris , its historic headquarters. The city of Samarkand , in Uzbekistan — a major cultural crossroads on the Silk Road — hosted this exceptional 43rd session, bringing together heads of state, ministers, diplomats and representatives of civil society from around the world.
The agenda includes strategic discussions on education , culture , science , communication , and the future of UNESCO's flagship programs in a changing global context. The General Conference, the Organization's sovereign body, sets all the major guidelines for the next two years. This edition is part of a historic dynamic: diverse delegations, new international partnerships, debates on peace and cultural cooperation, and a strong presence of stakeholders from the sports and youth sectors.
It is in this context that the Member States adopted one of the most symbolic resolutions of this session for sport and in particular martial arts: the proclamation of March 21 as International Taijiquan Day .
Global recognition for a universal art
Taijiquan , a multi-millennial discipline originating from Chinese tradition, is simultaneously an internal martial art , a health practice , a moving meditation , and an intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO since 2020. Its international spread and social impact make it today a powerful vector of well-being, cohesion, and cultural transmission.
In the resolution adopted in Samarkand, the Member States:
They recognize that Taijiquan, "an ancient sport and intangible cultural heritage, plays a positive role in improving health and well-being, promotes social inclusion and gender equality, deepens exchange and mutual learning, and contributes to preserving peace."
They reaffirm "the important role that inclusive, fair and safe sport plays in promoting cultural exchange and mutual learning, as well as in fostering peace and development."
Note that the establishment of this international day will have no financial impact on the Organization's ordinary budget.
On this basis, the General Conference:
Proclaims March 21st International Taijiquan Day , celebrated annually throughout the world;
Invites all Member States and partners to support UNESCO's activities in the field of inclusive, fair and safe sport, and to contribute to the promotion of this day;
Encourages cooperation with relevant stakeholders, including the International Wushu Federation (IWUF) ;
Calls on Member States and partners to mobilize voluntary contributions to support activities related to this celebration.
Images from the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (© UNESCO)
A major step forward for sport, culture and peace
The adoption of this day sends a strong signal: sport is not only a physical activity, but also a universal language , capable of bringing people together, promoting mutual understanding and contributing to peace.
Taijiquan, with its gentle, inclusive approach accessible to all ages, fully aligns with UNESCO's objectives in the area of:
of overall health ,
gender equality ,
quality physical education ,
violence prevention ,
intercultural dialogue ,
and the protection of intangible heritage .
A direct echo for CIJFADAM and the FADAM movement
For CIJFADAM, this decision resonates particularly with the mission of the FADAM World Games , which celebrate precisely the universal values carried by martial arts: peace, respect, inclusion, cultural diversity and transmission .
Taijiquan occupies a central place in the world heritage of martial arts, and this international recognition further reinforces the role that these disciplines can play in building more harmonious societies.
Towards a first global celebration on March 21st
From 2026 onwards, FADAM will invite its national committees, partners, and international members to celebrate this first International Taijiquan Day .
Public workshops, demonstrations, conferences, educational events, cultural programs, intergenerational meetings: this day will become a key moment to promote martial arts , foster social inclusion and promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Photo credits: UNESCO
