On August 6, the 2024 NEAR Young Leaders Forum kicked off at Handong Global University with 40 young participants, which is themed “Standing Together, Thriving Northeast Asia.”  

During the opening ceremony, NEAR Secretary-General Lim Byung-jin delivered opening remarks, followed by President Choi Dosoung of Handong Global University who gave a welcome speech. Also, congratulatory messages were delivered via video from the consuls-general in Busan, including Oxana Dudnik of Russia, Tsogtoo Unurzaya of Mongolia, and Chen Ribiao of China. Finally, the participants briefly introduced each of themselves on the stage.  

In his opening remarks, Mr. Lim stated the underlying objective of the forum, saying “In today’s unstable geopolitical landscape with intensifying conflicts and less cooperation, the gatherings of the young leaders of Northeast Asia to build friendships and to understand one another could lay a core foundation for regional peace and prosperity.” 

Running from August 5 to 11, the forum involves 40 international students from NEAR member countries (China, South Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Russia, Vietnam), who are currently residing in Korea for their master’s or doctor’s degree courses. With the two sub-themes of “the roles of youth for a prosperous Northeast Asia” and “sharing ideas on the main concerns of youth and possible solutions,” the forum participants will be enjoying a variety of programs, such as listening to the expert lectures and engaging in team discussions and presentations. Additionally, a festive session “Cultural Night” will give the participants a memorable time sharing their unique national cultures and showing individual talents on the stage.

Moreover, the participants is going to have industrial and cultural tours to Gyeongju and experience diverse Korean cultures. Plogging activity is also prepared in Chilpo-ri beach.

The NEAR Young Leaders Forum is hosted by the NEAR Secretariat annually, aiming to provide young generations of NEAR member regions an opportunity to discuss their issues and enhance mutual understanding, and ultimately to grow as responsible leaders working for the co-prosperity of the region.