The International Children's Games were born from the vision of a physical education teacher, Professor Metod Klemenc, a Yugoslavian who suffered enormously as a youngster during the Second World War. His vision was to create an event fostering a better understanding between children of different cultural backgrounds, as well as promoting peace and harmony worldwide. This led to the inaugural Games being held in Slovenia, then part of Yugoslavia in 1968 at the height of the Cold War.

In the inaugural games, nine European cities met for a one-day competition and cultural exchange. Since these humble beginnings, the International Children’s Games has grown into a global competition and cultural festival, embracing more and more children worldwide. In 1990, the International Children's Games were recognized as an International Olympic Committee-sanctioned event. The Games are now believed to be the largest gathering in the world of young people taking part in a sports event.

From the first International Children's Games in 1968 to the 46th Daegu ICG 2012, the Games have managed to achieve the dream of their creator, bringing together children from all over the world and fostering a mutual understanding between them. With more than 35,000 children from every continent of the world having taken part in the Games, strong friendships have been created, and different cultures have come one step closer together, opening up new horizons for world peace and harmony.