President Lee Jae-myung stated on July 19 that "South Korea's journey from a nation receiving aid to one that provides it, and now shares cultural values, is a shared success story of humanity forged through cooperation and solidarity."
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, he emphasized that "South Korea has achieved economic growth and mature democracy by leveraging international cooperation and solidarity, establishing itself as a nation that blooms with a brilliant culture and deeply engages with the world."
He described world heritage as a symbol that transcends borders and generations, serving as a solid foundation for peace and cooperation among nations. "In the process of remembering and preserving world heritage together, the global community can respect each other's histories and strengthen mutual trust and solidarity among humanity," he added.
President Lee highlighted the increasing value of cultural dialogue, especially in times of conflict and division. He referenced Kim Gu's emphasis on the 'power of culture,' stating that the spirit of the UNESCO Charter, which calls for building 'walls of peace in the hearts of humanity,' aligns perfectly with Kim Gu's vision for peace and unity.
He noted that the holding of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in South Korea coincides with the 150th anniversary of Kim Gu's birth, calling it no coincidence. "South Korea will continue to uphold Kim Gu's legacy by protecting humanity's precious heritage and contributing to global peace and prosperity based on our rich cultural strength," he pledged.
Additionally, President Lee described Busan as a city that embodies South Korea's challenging modern history, stating, "Busan exemplifies how international cooperation can transform the fate of a city and a nation."
He expressed a commitment to working with UNESCO to create a more peaceful and prosperous future for humanity, hoping that this meeting will serve as a new milestone for the protection of world heritage and international cooperation.
Before the opening ceremony, President Lee met with UNESCO Secretary-General Khaled Al-Anaani. He remarked, "Thanks to UNESCO, South Korea's younger generations have received education, which has contributed to our growth. Now, we have evolved from a nation that received aid to one that provides assistance globally, all thanks to UNESCO's significant contributions."
Al-Anaani expressed gratitude for the support that enabled the event to be held in South Korea, stating, "The President's personal attendance symbolizes strong support for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee and the commitment to preserving cultural heritage."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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