International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF) Participates in UN NGO Major Group Webinar, Presenting Vision for Sustainable Cultural Heritage

(Reporter Song In-kwon)= The International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF) recently participated in a high-level webinar hosted by the UN NGO Major Group, actively contributing to international policy discussions on sustainability and the preservation of traditional culture.

During the session, which focused on key global themes such as sustainable public procurement, ecological transition, and the role of non-governmental organizations in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the INSF made a notable presence by engaging directly in the discourse.

Representing the Federation, the INSF delegation submitted a formal comment during the live webinar session, stating: “Great insights on sustainable public procurement. I am representing the International Northern Ssireum Federation (INSF), and I’m interested in how traditional cultural practices and community-based heritage activities can be integrated into such sustainability frameworks.”

This intervention underscored the Federation’s commitment to bridging the gap between modern sustainability policies and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. By positioning traditional practices—such as Northern-Style Ssireum, a UNESCO-inscribed heritage—within the broader context of community-based sustainable development, the INSF highlighted the vital role that ancestral knowledge and cultural identity play in building a resilient future.

The Federation’s participation was documented and shared through its international network, serving as a testament to its proactive role in the global arena. Experts view this engagement as a strategic move to align the INSF’s mission with the UN’s global sustainability agenda, moving beyond the traditional boundaries of sports organizations to act as an influential advocate for cultural preservation and academic exchange.

Through its active involvement in international policy forums, the INSF continues to solidify its status as a global platform dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the shared cultural heritage of traditional wrestling and warrior civilizations across Eurasia and beyond.