Global Korea Convention spotlights Seoul's achievements in international cooperation

Dignitaries pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the Global Korea Convention 2020 held at the K-Hotel in southern Seoul on Wednesday. [YONHAP]

An international forum kicked off in Seoul on Wednesday to share Korea's achievements in global cooperation and explore its future roles and challenges in the post-Covid-19 era.

The 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 Gurría, secretary-general of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development; Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun; and National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug.

The National Research Council for Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences (NRC) and Korea Land & Housing are hosting the convention, with sponsorship from about 150 government and public institutions.

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 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."

Chung said the government has been actively responding to requests for cooperation from countries around the world, including developing countries, particularly amid the global spread of the pandemic.

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

"The Republic of Korea, once a recipient of aid, has now become a provider of aid. Korea overcame its challenges and achieved both economic development and full democracy in a short period. Now, it is time to share Korea's dynamic energy with others for world peace, common prosperity and the sustainable development of humankind," said the declaration.

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.

To that end, the convention will proceed under 19 subjects, including K-Quarantine, climate change, eco-friendly smart cities and inclusive multilateralism, they noted.

The Korea International Cooperation Agency and 35 other government institutions will introduce about 100 exemplary cases of international cooperation in online and offline presentations.

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

Yonhap