Nordic Walking’s Future Takes Shape in Shanghai

INWA Partners with Shanghai Jinshan District to Expand Nordic Walking Across China and the Asia-Pacific Region

The International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA) has signed a five-year Strategic Framework Cooperation Agreement with the People’s Government of Shanyang Town, Jinshan District, Shanghai, marking an important new step in the development of Nordic Walking in China and across the Asia-Pacific region.

The partnership brings together INWA’s international expertise in Nordic Walking education, technical development and competition with the ambitions of Jinshan District to promote health, active living, innovation and community wellbeing.

Building a World-Class Nordic Walking Destination

One of the key projects within the agreement is the development of an International Nordic Walking Park along the Longquan River Ecological Corridor in Jinshan District.

INWA will provide technical consultation and expertise to support the development of a world-class Nordic Walking track and destination. The project has the potential to create an important centre for Nordic Walking participation, education and events in the region.

Innovation and Smart Nordic Walking

The partnership will also explore opportunities to combine Nordic Walking with new digital technologies.

Areas of research and development will include the potential use of AI and blockchain technology for digital authentication, performance tracking and event verification.

These developments reflect INWA’s commitment to exploring new ways to support the quality, accessibility and credibility of Nordic Walking while maintaining the standards and principles of the international federation.

Education, Events and Competition

Education and the development of Nordic Walking communities will be at the heart of the cooperation.

The partnership will support international Nordic Walking training programmes, events and competitions in accordance with INWA guidelines and principles, creating opportunities for instructors, participants and athletes to develop their knowledge and skills.

The collaboration will also help strengthen connections between Nordic Walking communities in China, the wider Asia-Pacific region and INWA’s international network.

Bringing Nordic Walking to More People

A further focus will be promoting Nordic Walking as an accessible activity for health and active living.

INWA and the Jinshan District Government will explore joint initiatives to introduce Nordic Walking into corporate wellness programmes and community health activities, helping more people discover the benefits of walking with poles.

Nordic Walking is suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels and can be adapted from community participation through to high-performance competition. Expanding opportunities for people to participate is central to INWA’s international mission.

A Significant Step Forward for INWA

INWA President Aki Karihtala welcomed the new partnership:

“This collaboration with the Jinshan District Government represents a significant step forward in our mission to promote health, active living, and high-performance Nordic Walking worldwide.”

The five-year agreement provides a framework for long-term cooperation and development. It represents an exciting opportunity to combine international Nordic Walking expertise with local innovation and investment, while creating new opportunities for education, participation, competition and community development.

As Nordic Walking continues to grow internationally, partnerships such as this help INWA build stronger networks and make the activity accessible to more people around the world.