WFAS Delegation Promotes Traditional Chinese Medicine at UNESCO and UN

Liu Baoyan, the president of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) and Chief Researcher of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, led a delegation on Monday to visit the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Council in New York. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the protection and inheritance of acupuncture and moxibustion, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices, with the aim of promoting their integration into global healthcare systems.

WFAS, founded in Beijing in 1987, is an international organization dedicated to the promotion and advancement of acupuncture-moxibustion therapies. With 264 member societies in 70 countries and regions, representing more than 400,000 acupuncture-moxibustion professionals, WFAS has played a crucial role in raising awareness and expanding the reach of TCM practices worldwide.

Since 2010, the TCM practices of acupuncture and moxibustion have been inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The delegation, led by Liu Baoyan, met with Lily Gray, senior liaison officer at UNESCO's New York office, to discuss the protection and inheritance of these ancient healing techniques.

Having established official relations with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1998, WFAS has actively participated in UN meetings, supporting the WHO's goal of "Health for All." During the COVID-19 pandemic, WFAS submitted several statements to the World Health Assembly and the Human Rights Council, suggesting the integration of traditional medicine, including acupuncture, in the fight against the pandemic.

During their visit to the United Nations, the delegation also met with Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, to seek guidance on how acupuncture-moxibustion can play a more significant role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

In an interview with CGTN, Liu Baoyan stated that acupuncture has gained recognition within the mainstream medical system in the United States, and Chinese acupuncture has become the standard worldwide. Liu highlighted the global reach of acupuncture, noting that it has spread to 196 countries and regions, with over 50 nations implementing legislation to regulate its practice. Many countries have even included acupuncture treatments in their medical insurance plans, showcasing its growing acceptance and integration into healthcare systems.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has referred to traditional Chinese medicine as "the treasure of ancient Chinese science." Liu emphasized that TCM has a history spanning thousands of years and has accumulated a wealth of clinical experience. However, he also acknowledged the challenges in promoting TCM globally.

Fang Yigong, Vice Dean of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Hospital of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, shared his observations on the rising interest in acupuncture among foreigners. He noted that a significant number of international students are now coming to China to study traditional Chinese medicine, driven by their passion for both TCM and Chinese culture. Fang highlighted the dedication and sacrifice demonstrated by some students who have left promising careers to pursue the study of acupuncture, emphasizing their deep commitment to TCM's principles and practices.

The visit of the WFAS delegation to UNESCO and the United Nations Economic and Social Council represents a crucial step in promoting the integration of acupuncture-moxibustion and traditional Chinese medicine into global healthcare systems. With the growing interest in TCM practices worldwide and their increasing recognition by international organizations, acupuncture and moxibustion have the potential to play a vital role in achieving better health outcomes for people around the world.