休閒在現今社會深深的影響我們的生活。個人、休閒專業人士及政策制定者，無不持續關注休閒發展將如何進一步影響我們的生活品質及增進生活的幸福。休閒發展的影響深遠，難以對其意涵驟下定義，然而溯及休閒的發展，可從自由時間、活動及心裡狀態等三個面向來加以界定。休閒議題在聯合國的憲章中經常被提及，並且被視為基本人權的範疇之一，其他諸如各種跨國條約及相關規範中也常被視為基本人權。其中世界休閒協會，這一非營利組織積極的將此一概念推廣到世界各地。並且持續專注於如何將個別與群體的幸福營造，透過休閒推廣來加以實現。本會設定了四個優先發展方向，包含：對於休閒認知之強化；持續改善休閒政策與立法；強化休閒推展之領導能力；擴增國際休閒議題合作等四個面向。本會因而舉辦了多元的學術會議及休閒產業服務，包括：跨國學術會議、地區性的學術會議、休閒教育推廣活動、研究中心的設立及學術刊物發行。2001年本會與世界休閒協會中華臺北分會建立了促進休閒發展之關係。這是本會首次與臺灣為了共同推展休閒發展而形成的一個完整合作計劃。此一計劃模式是本會針對世界各國具有相同推展目標及理念的個人及團體而設立。

Leisure is a powerful force, influencing the lives of individuals worldwide. Individuals, professionals, policy makers and others are increasingly focusing on leisure as a way of improving quality of life and wellbeing. Although leisure is difficult to define, three basic definitions have emerged. Leisure is defined as free time, activity or state of mind. Leisure is often equated with freedom and mentioned in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and several other covenants and conventions as a basic right of each and every individual. An important non-government voluntary organization advancing leisure concerns worldwide is World Leisure. This organization is dedicated to assisting individuals optimizing their collective and individual wellbeing. World Leisure is committed to four priority areas including: 1) heightening the awareness of leisure benefits; 2) improving policy and legislation; 3) strengthening leadership; and 4) expanding international cooperation. World Leisure operates a wide range of programs and services such as biennial congresses, regional conferences, education and research centers, as well as publishing its own journal. In 2001, World Leisure established its first chapter in Taiwan known as the World Leisure Chinese Taipei Chapter. This program has established precedent in World Leisure and serves as a model for other groups and individuals throughout the world to seek a similar status and affiliation.