The 7th Ethnosport Forum, organized by the World Ethnosport Union, was held this year in St. Petersburg on April 19–20, bringing together 200 participants from 40 countries to shape the future roadmap of traditional sports.

In his opening address, World Ethnosport Union President Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan emphasized the growing importance of universal values upheld by the Union: “Humanity increasingly needs the principles of peace, solidarity, respect, and tradition—values on which the mission and activities of the World Ethnosport Union are founded.”

Ethnosport Forum Energizes St. Petersburg

Held under the theme “Revival of Traditional Sports,” the Forum hosted a wide range of panels, sessions, and cultural events. Over the course of two days, experts and decision-makers exchanged insights and strategies to preserve and promote traditional sports worldwide.

High-Level Participation from Five Continents

The Forum welcomed a number of distinguished guests, including Russia’s Minister of Sports Mikhail Degtyarev, Türkiye’s Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Tourism and Sports Yerbol Myrzabosynov, and Belarus’s Minister of Sports and Tourism Sergey Kovalchuk, along with deputy ministers and senior officials from various countries.

Joint Declaration on the Revival of Traditional Sports

In a landmark step, a joint declaration was signed by the ministers of Russia, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Belarus, alongside World Ethnosport Union President Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan. The declaration highlighted a shared commitment to protecting, promoting, and enhancing international cooperation in the field of traditional sports.

The agreement aims to establish a strong foundation for global collaboration in preserving and passing down traditional sports to future generations.

Ministers' Panel: The Future of Traditional Sports

The first day of the Forum featured a high-level Ministers’ Panel, moderated by President Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan. The session included key discussions on the current state and future of traditional sports, addressing opportunities, challenges, and policy directions.

Focus on Communication Strategies

The second day began with a Communication Panel focused on effective strategies for promoting traditional sports through media and public engagement. Speakers shared practical insights on integrated communication models, audience engagement, and successful outreach practices aimed at making traditional sports more visible and relevant in today’s global landscape.