(Photo World Karate Federation)
The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) Board of Trustees held its final meeting of the year at the Maison du Sport International (MSI) in Lausanne and online. Trustees voted on key priorities for the humanitarian Foundation’s future development. The discussions focused on expanding Hope and Dreams activities to the African continent, strengthening partnerships with the Olympic Movement, introducing new funding approaches to ensure long-term sustainability and impact for refugee youth.
During the meeting, the Board approved the expansion of the Hope and Dreams Taekwondo Competitions to Rwanda and Eswatini, following the successful model of the Hope and Dreams Sports Festival in Jordan, which will be on its 4th edition, next year. Looking ahead, the THF will celebrate its 10th founding anniversary in 2026, since its creation in Lausanne, in April 2016.
THF Chairman and World Taekwondo President Chungwon Choue shared updates from recent meetings with IOC President Kirsty Coventry and IOC Honorary President Thomas Bach, both of whom praised THF’s contributions to the Olympic Movement. The Board expressed its commitment to strengthen relations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Refuge Foundation (ORF). The ORF has already committed over half a million USD to support 15 senior and junior Taekwondo refugee athletes on their path to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and LA28 Olympic Games, with additional athletes under consideration.
The Board also reviewed progress on its strategic review, presented by sustainability consultant Daniel Cade. THF Members have been invited to vote on THF priorities, reflecting the needs for storytelling and extended reach in terms of communication, diversity on funding sources, education and pathway for THF beneficiaries as well as development of a toolkit to enhance mental health and well-being.
UNHCR sport representative and Board Member Claude Marshall, whose term was renewed, introduced an innovative fundraising model but also the idea of having refuge youth living in camps, elevated as ambassadors of sports and members of the Olympic Committee in their countries of living.
THF Chairman expressed his gratitude to every member of the Board for their unwavering commitment to improving the livelihoods of refugee and displaced persons through sport. “It is very inspiring to meet with individuals and organisations that are continually engaging with other sports to bring health, well-being and fun to their daily lives”, emphasized Dr. Choue.
THF Operations Director and THF Board Member Maher Magableh reported on recent achievements, including, the first-ever THF black belt promotions for 49 refugee THF participants in Azraq and Za’atari camps (Jordan), which all successfully met their objectives. As part of a long-term strategy to build skills and gain experience and with the hope of seeing more refugee Taekwondo Para athletes reaching the podium at major events within the next four years, two refugee Para athletes from Za’atari Camp, participated in two training camps in Korea, accessing also to their first international competitions through the Chuncheon World Para Taekwondo Open Challenge, in Korea, and the 10th Asian Para Taekwondo Championships in Kuching, Malaysia.
THF Board also approved the 2026 operational budget, with increased allocations for grassroots projects in Jordan (Azraq and Za’atari refugee camps), Rwanda (Mahama and Kiziba refugee camps), and Eswatini (Malindza Refugee Camp), reflecting the growing scope of THF’s mission in empowering youth through Taekwondo activities.
THF mission goes beyond sport. It is about bringing joy, well-being, and a sense of belonging to displaced youth. With strengthened partnerships, innovative funding, and the dedication of our global community, the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation is now preparing for an even brighter future.
