ICM(유네스코 국제무예센터)의 역사와 발전 방안* = A History and Development Strategy of the UNESCO International Centre of Martial Arts(ICM)

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Purpose: This study examines the establishment and historical development of the International Centre of Martial Arts (ICM) in the intersecting contexts of international sport policy, cultural diplomacy, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As a UNESCO Category II Centre, the study analyzes its organizational and operational systems, achievements, and limitations in order to propose directions for sustainable development.
Methods: A literature review was conducted based on UNESCO General Conference resolutions, guidelines for Category II Centres, official ICM documents and annual reports, as well as domestic and international scholarly articles and policy materials. In addition, a comparative framework drawn from international sport governance and sport policy studies was applied to assess the alignment of ICM’s strategies with overarching goals, its performance management system, funding structure, and mechanisms of knowledge production and dissemination.
Results: ICM has accumulated notable achievements through global baseline surveys and database construction on martial arts, youth civic education programs such as international martial arts camps and open schools, SDG-aligned international cooperation initiatives including women’s empowerment in martial arts, and the organization of international seminars, periodicals, and martial arts education awards. However, structural challenges remain, including the strategic clarification of institutional identity, the institutionalization of research and policy advisory functions, diversification of financial resources, advancement of multi-stakeholder governance, and the strengthening of international branding through the accumulation of data, guidelines, and evaluation outputs.
Conclusion: To ensure sustainable growth, ICM should further institutionalize a knowledge-production and policy-feedback system centered on the agenda of “martial arts-based youth development and peace education,” while embedding alignment with UNESCO’s strategic framework into its performance management structure. Moreover, securing project-based international funding and designing multilateral cooperative frameworks are essential to enhance long-term sustainability and global credibility.