On Thursday, August 7, the NEAR Secretariat invited 43 participants of the 2025 Young Leaders Forum to its Secretariat for a meeting with NEAR Secretary-General Lim Byung-jin followed by a closing ceremony.
The event was attended by more than 70 people, including Secretary-General Lim, Handong Global University Vice Presidents Park Hye-kyung and Bang Cheong-rok, faculty members who supported the event, Secretariat staff, and the participants.
During the meeting with Secretary-General Lim, participants engaged in open dialogue, sharing their impressions from the forum, ideas for future development, and questions about NEAR.
Secretary-General Lim expressed his belief that “this forum has served as a valuable opportunity to understand the need for international cooperation on environmental issues and the role of NEAR as a multilateral exchange platform.” He emphasized that, “the process of young people from different countries understanding and respecting each other’s positions, and seeking solutions to common challenges, is essential to solidifying the foundation for future cooperation in Northeast Asia.” He further highlighted that “among NEAR’s various projects, exchange programs involving youth are considered an asset for future cooperation, and we will continue to expand them.”
Participants stated that the programs prepared by the NEAR Secretariat helped them broaden their friendships and deepen cultural understanding among youth from Northeast and Central Asian. They expressed gratitude to the Secretariat for its thoughtful arrangements and evaluated the forum as a significant and successful event.
This visit to the NEAR Secretariat and the awarding of certificates marked the final event of the 2025 Young Leaders Forum, held from August 4 to 8.
Following the opening ceremony on August 5, the forum featured a variety of programs. Ambassador Kang Seok-hee of Gyeongsangbuk-do delivered a lecture titled “Stories of Korean Diplomats.” At the same time, Park Sun-young, Director of the Environmental Policy Division of Pohang City, gave a special presentation on “Pohang’s Vision and Goals Toward Becoming a Global Carbon-Neutral City.”
Additionally, Handong Global University Vice President Bang Cheong-rok lectured on “Global Governance and International Cooperation,” while Professor Kwak Sang-hoon gave an expert lecture on “Global ESG and Green Growth,” further enhancing participants’ understanding of green growth.
At the 2025 NEAR Model General Assembly, participants experienced the process of international negotiation and consensus-building under the theme “Exploring Local Government Public Projects Based on Carbon-Neutral Green Growth.” Divided into teams, delegates engaged in mock debates that simulated real diplomatic settings, fostering awareness of and emphasizing the importance of cooperation on environmental issues.
The forum also included cultural tours in Pohang and Gyeongju, an “Ask NEAR Secretariat Staff” session, eco-friendly upcycling workshops, and a Cultural Exchange Night. Through these activities, participants not only experienced the history and culture of the region but also deepened exchange and friendship among the participating countries.
