On July 18, 2025, the Martial Arts Coalition for Sustainable Development (MCS) and the Jadir Taekwondo Association (AJTKD) hosted a dynamic virtual side event at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum (HLPF). Titled “Kicking Forward: Youth Empowerment through Martial Arts”, the event brought together grassroots leaders and federations using martial arts and combat sports to tackle global challenges and advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The event drew an international audience that included representatives from local and national sport federations, as well as other organizations interested in sport-based development and sustainability.
Moderated by Inês Crespo, head of marketing at AJTKD, the event opened with welcoming remarks from Grandmaster Jadir Figueira, AJTKD president and MCS co-founder. He spoke about martial arts as a lifelong path of discipline, values, and service to community. A short presentation followed from Danilo Malafaia, MCS co-founder, outlining the work of the coalition and previewing its upcoming global framework.
What followed was a showcase of seven community-based projects and two federations, each working in unique contexts but with shared purpose — using martial arts as a tool for education, inclusion, healing, and opportunity:
- Beauti Tamuli, Nari Shakti Project (India) – self-defense and empowerment for young girls in rural communities
- Georgina Capone, Warrior Women Project (UK) – trauma-informed boxing and peer support for survivors
- Luke Lamprecht, Fight With Insight (South Africa) – boxing-based programs focused on youth mental health and violence prevention
- Meena Asadi, Cisarua Refugee Karate Club (Indonesia) – community leadership and dignity through martial arts among refugees
- Gabriel Ribeiro, Delfim Boxing Gym (Brazil) – reintegration and social support for formerly incarcerated individuals
- Margaret Larrinaga, Transformación Social A.C. – TRASO (Mexico) – sport and leadership education in low-income communities
- Gracyenne Helena, Do Morro ao Pódio (Brazil) – creating sport pathways for favela youth
- Marcelo Capano, Brazilian SAMBO Confederation (CBSA) – inclusion-focused projects for people with disabilities and vulnerable groups
- Anastasiia Fomkina, International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) – aligning SAMBO’s global work with social and sustainability goals
The event concluded with a global reflection panel, moderated by Inês Crespo, where speakers shared lessons learned and practical advice from their journeys. Each was invited to reflect on what their project had taught them, and what guidance they would offer to others hoping to start similar initiatives.
Whether the focus was community trust, cultural understanding, long-term commitment, or adapting to difficult realities, one theme echoed throughout: martial arts can be a catalyst for human development when rooted in care, courage, and connection.
