The 8th World Traditional Medicine Forum and World Federation of TCM Trade Services were held on September 19-20, 2026, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. More than 500 delegates from over 30 countries and regions gathered to engage in in-depth discussions on the inheritance, innovation, and international integration of traditional medicine, and to jointly explore new pathways for development.

Distinguished guests attending the event included Dr. Sungchol Kim, Head of TSI Unit of the Global Traditional Medicine Centre of the World Health Organization (WHO); Mr. Yu Jian, Culture Attaché of the Chinese Embassy in the Netherlands; Mr. Dong Zhilin, Chairman of the World Forum on Traditional Medicine; Prof. Liu Baoyan, President of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS), and Prof. Yang Jinsheng, WFAS Secretary-General. Mr. Harm Elsinga, Chairman of the Forum Organizing Committee and former President of the Dutch Acupuncture Association; Mr. Ma Jun, Secretary-General of the China Association of Chinese Medicine; Ms. Esther Buquet, President of the Dutch Acupuncture Association; Mrs. Angie Calor-Man, Secretary General of the Dutch Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine; and Ms. Han Ruiqing, President of the Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Netherlands.

In his address, Dr. Sungchol Kim noted that the WHO has long attached great importance to and actively promoted the development of traditional medicine, achieving significant results in international exchange, research, and practice. He expressed hope that the forum would further focus on evidence-based research in traditional medicine, deepen academic exchange and international cooperation, drive breakthroughs in evidence-based research, and provide a solid evidentiary foundation for the scientific inheritance and innovative development of traditional medicine. He also wished the forum great success and expressed his anticipation that it would play an increasingly active role in fostering global exchange and cooperation in traditional medicine, thereby contributing significantly to human health and well-being. Counselor Yu Jian stated that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) belongs to the world and serves all of humanity. He expressed hope that the forum would serve as an opportunity to further strengthen international exchange and cooperation in the field of TCM, facilitate the mutual sharing of experiences and achievements across different countries and regions, and jointly advance the inheritance, innovation, and development of TCM on a global scale. On behalf of the organizing committee, Mr. Harm Elsinga extended a warm welcome to the experts, scholars, and colleagues from around the world. He looked forward to in-depth exchanges and mutual learning among the experts, aiming to collectively elevate professional standards and benefit human health. WFAS president Porf. Liu Baoyan, Dr. Wang Wencheng, a successor of the "Huang’s Qianbu Pulse diagnosis technique from Australia; and Dr. Linda Hao, Director of the Neuro-Acupuncture Institute in the USA, delivered keynote speeches titled "Advances in clinical research on acupuncture over the past decade," "The principles and clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in cancer treatment," and "From an unexpected cancellation of brain tumor surgery: Explore the undeniable medical value of scalp acupuncture," respectively. Prof. Feng Quansheng, vice president of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, delivered a keynote speech via video link titled "The Contemporary value of classical warm disease theory in the treatment of  gastrointestinal pain disorders."

The opening ceremony was co-hosted by Guo Chunbiao, Vice Chairman of the forum, and Johanna Biemans, Chairwoman of the Scientifiic Committee of the Dutch Acupuncture Association. The ceremony and keynote speeches were broadcast simultaneously to the forum's 28 WeChat groups, reaching an audience of over 10,000 people.

This forum focused on the theme "The Role of Traditional Medicine in the Prevention and Treatment of Tumors, Gynecological Diseases, and Pain Conditions." Fifty-nine experts from around the world presented 65 high-quality academic lectures, sharing the latest research findings and exchanging cutting-edge concepts and practical experiences. Compared to previous editions, this forum attracted a larger number of scholars and experts from Western countries, further enhancing international participation. The inclusion of dedicated English and Chinese sessions marked a significant shift in the language dynamics of the exchange, fully reflecting the forum's growing openness and international character.

The forum's exhibition brought together several health and TCM enterprises from China and Europe to showcase innovative traditional medicine products, establishing an efficient and practical platform for industry collaboration and access to international markets.

During the forum, a "Netherlands Night" culture gala was held. Colleagues from across the globe gathered to celebrate with song and dance; using culture as a bridge, they fostered communication and deepened friendships, sharing in the unique charm of traditional medicine within a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.

The closing ceremony was co-hosted by Dr. Chen Yemeng, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of the forum, and Dr. Xia Junhong, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Dr. Lu Xin, Executive Chairman of the forum, delivered the closing remarks, summarizing the event's achievements and expressing heartfelt gratitude to the organizers and the preparatory team. Forum Vice-Chairman Dr. Wu Binjiang presented the details of the 9th World Traditional Medicine Forum and World Federation of TCM Trade Services that will be held on September 18-19, 2027 in Toronto, Canada. He provided an overview of the conference venue as well as attractions in and around Toronto, and extended a warm invitation to colleagues from around the world to attend the 9th World Traditional Medicine Forum and World Federation of TCM Trade Services.