333 Korean community leaders from 64 countries participated… “Strengthening ties with the homeland”
Foreign Minister Park Jin “Preparing for the establishment of the Office of Korean Overseas Koreans without any setbacks… Promise to strengthen support for Koreans”
The ‘2022 World Korean President’s Congress’, in which 333 Korean community leaders from 64 countries around the world gather to discuss the prosperity of the global Korean community, kicked off on the 5th at Songdo Convensia in Incheon.
This competition, held under the slogan ‘Return of the great Koreans who went to the world’, will be held with Incheon Metropolitan City, the first departure point for overseas migration to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the official immigration of Koreans.
The opening ceremony was attended by Yoon Jae-ok, chairman of the Foreign Reunification Committee, Kim Seok-ki, chairman of the People’s Strength, Overseas Koreans, Lee Jae-jeong, chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, Kim Seong-gon, chairman of the Overseas Koreans Foundation, Yoo Jeong-bok, Incheon Metropolitan City Mayor, and Kim Deok-ryong, chairman of the World Federation of Korean Traders.
Overseas, more than 260 executives of Korean Associations by continent and region participated offline and 73 online, including the co-chairs of the event, Yoo Je-heon, president of the European Korean Federation, and Yoo Young-joon, president of the Latin American Korean Association.
At the opening ceremony, director Lee Jin-young, who produced the documentary ‘The Legacy of the Rainbow Country,’ and former Hawaii Mayor Harry Kim gave a keynote lecture on the subject of ‘Who are we and where are we heading?’
With the theme of ‘Beautiful public diplomacy with 7.32 million overseas Koreans, Beautiful Koreans’, this contest, which will be held until the 7th, will discuss current issues in 10 regions including the US, Europe, Canada, and Asia and present best practices of Korean Association.
In addition, dialogue with the government in which government agencies such as the Ministry of Justice and the National Election Commission are participating will be held, and a PR booth for related organizations will be operated.
In the welcoming speech, Chairman Kim Seong-gon said, “I hope that you will become a ‘beautiful global Korean’ who is respected in your country of residence and helps your home country by saving the Hongik Ingan, the unique spirit of our people.”
The opening ceremony was followed by a welcome luncheon by Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Jin.
Through the luncheon, Minister Park evaluated the role of the Korean Association, which has been devoted to the development of the Korean community and the home country, and expressed her gratitude.
Minister Park urged Korean presidents to show leadership so that the Korean American Association can become the focal point and the Korean community can be more harmonious.
He also emphasized that the new government intends to turn a crisis into an opportunity by realizing the vision of a global pivotal country in a complex security environment, and also to contribute to peace and prosperity not only on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, but also on the global level.
Explaining the diplomatic direction of the Yun Seok-yeol administration, 7.5 million overseas Koreans asked to support the Korean government in realizing a global pivotal country.
Lastly, Minister Park said, “We are preparing to establish the Office of Overseas Koreans, which is a national task and a matter of interest to the Korean community.” We will strengthen it,” he promised.
In the evening, the ‘World Korean Day Commemoration Ceremony’ was held and Prime Minister Han Deok-soo attended and awarded the government medal of merit to the person of merit.
/yunhap news