The 2026 AIESEP World Congress, hosted by National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), concluded on June 19. Bringing together 505 scholars, researchers, and practitioners from 50 countries in Taipei, the five-day congress centered on the theme “Dialogues on Knowledges across Cultures.” Through academic exchanges and cultural activities, the event promoted global research collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue in physical education, highlighting Taiwan’s influence in international physical education and NTNU’s role in connecting the global academic community.
Co-organized by NTNU, the Taiwan Society for Sport Pedagogy, and the University of Melbourne, the congress featured five keynote speeches, 264 oral presentations, 107 poster presentations, 64 symposium sessions, and nine pre-conference workshops, presenting the latest research findings and developments in physical education worldwide.
In addition to academic exchanges, the congress organized cultural activities that took participants to Taipei 101, Dadaocheng, Longshan Temple, and Maokong, offering opportunities to learn about Taiwan’s history, culture, and urban landscape and experience its blend of tradition and modernity.
The congress received high praise from international participants. Many attendees said they were impressed by Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage, diversity, and welcoming environment, as well as NTNU’s thoughtful conference planning, cultural activities, and enthusiastic and professional volunteers. Several senior AIESEP members regarded the event as one of the organization’s most successful World Congresses, highlighting its academic exchanges, cultural experiences, and overall atmosphere. At the end of the closing ceremony, participants gave the organizing team a standing ovation.
The World Congress was also held in conjunction with The 14th East Asian Alliance for Sport Pedagogy Conference (EAASP), bringing together scholars from Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and other parts of East Asia. Professor Ching-Ping Lin, President of the Taiwan Society for Sport Pedagogy and Associate Dean of NTNU’s College of Sports and Recreation, expressed hope that the EAASP platform would continue to deepen research collaboration and academic dialogue in sport pedagogy across East Asia and further strengthen connections with the international academic community.
The closing ceremony concluded with the handover of the AIESEP World Congress flag. NTNU representatives presented the flag to representatives of Fontys University in the Netherlands, the host of the next World Congress, marking the conclusion of the 2026 World Congress and the beginning of the next, while symbolizing the continuity of AIESEP’s international academic network.
A farewell banquet was subsequently held at the Grand Hotel Taipei. Students from NTNU’s Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences performed street dance and jump rope routines, showcasing youthful energy and creativity. An Atayal Indigenous dance group presented a cultural performance and invited participants to experience traditional Atayal dance. Amid music and dance, scholars from around the world danced together, symbolizing deepening cross-cultural exchange and international friendship.
As the 2026 AIESEP World Congress came to a close, Associate Professor Ching-Wei Chang, Associate Chair of NTNU’s Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, was elected as an AIESEP Board Member during the General Assembly, demonstrating the influence of Taiwanese scholars and NTNU in international physical education. NTNU will continue to deepen cooperation with academic partners worldwide, promote innovation and talent development in physical education and sports science research, and enhance Taiwan’s visibility and contributions to international physical education.
