Global Korea Convention opens to spotlight Seoul's achievements in int'l cooperation

SEOUL,South Korea,Dec. 9,2020 -- An international forum kicked off in Seoul on Wednesday to share South Korea's achievements in global cooperation and explore its future roles and challenges in the post-COVID-19 era.The National Research Council for Economics,Humanities and Social Sciences and the Korea Land & Housing Corp. are hosting the convention,with sponsorship from about 150 government and public institutions.

Global Korea Convention 2020 opened in a ceremony at the K-Hotel Seoul for a three-day run,with the in-person and online attendance of about 30 dignitaries,including Angel Gurria,secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development; Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun; and National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug.

Several dozen government departments and public institutions are to introduce various experiences on public diplomacy and international cooperation since the independence of Korea in 1945,as well as their efforts to pursue public diplomacy focused on peace,human rights,democracy and values enabling sustainable development of humankind.

In particular,the convention is to put the spotlight on South Korea's diverse and rich experience as the world's only country that has transformed from an aid recipient to a donor country.

During the opening ceremony,Chung gave a congratulatory video address,and former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland made a keynote speech under the title of "international cooperation for world peace and sustainable development."

A "Vision Declaration" was also announced at the opening ceremony,declaring a vision of South Korea's future as a world leader that contributes to international peace,prosperity and sustainable development.

"Embracing 'inclusive multilateralism' as our core value,Korea is taking its first step forward to form a new wave of cooperation that pursues world peace,common prosperity and sustainable development," it said.

Hosts and organizers said Seoul's efforts to overcome the coronavirus pandemic,dubbed "K-Quarantine",and the Korean New Deal initiative aimed at stimulating economic growth and job creation through digital and green projects will be intensively discussed at the convention.

In a special event,Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Moon Seong-hyeok will hold a videoconference interview with Korean researchers stationed at the nation's second Antarctic base called Jang Bogo.

In consideration of the spread of the coronavirus,all convention programs will be broadcast live at the convention's website (globalkoreaconvention.kr).