Summary of DMZ Forum2020: A powerful message shared with the world

2020 DMZ Forum ended with powerful messages of peace and hope to Korea. Gyeonggi proivnce has suggested 4 goals for peace.

ⓒ GYEONGGI PROVINCE

Gyeonggi Province held DMZ Forum 2020 for two days from September 17 to 18 to publicize the value of the DMZ where division and peace coexist. Due to the COVID-19 situation, this year’s forum was held online under the theme of "DMZ Wants Peace." DMZ Forum 2020 was one of four events held under the Let’s DMZ title. The other events include Live in DMZ, DMZ RUN, and the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival; these events are held annually to share a message of peace with the world. 

The DMZ Forum is an academic event designed to foster international discussions of peace and cooperation on the Korean Peninsula and the co-prosperity of international civil society. Gyeonggi Province Governor, Liberian Peace Activist Leymah Gbowee, a 2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Professor Joseph Nye of Harvard University, who served as the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs under the Clinton administration, attended the forum and gave keynote speeches. Also, 90 panelists including scholars, experts, and peace NGO representatives from home and abroad took part in 16 sessions to discuss ways in which to promote the spirit of peace on the Korean Peninsula. Participants included Moon Chung-in, Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs and National Security to Korean President Moon Jae-in, and Kathleen Stephens, former U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea.

 

Considering the Corona 19 situation, everyone could participate safely online (www.dmzforum)

ⓒ GYEONGGI PROVINCE

Governor said in his keynote speech that Gyeonggi Province will do its utmost to foster an era of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula, and proposed five cooperation projects with North Korea:

1) joint quarantine and medical cooperation between the two Koreas;

2) cooperation in the management of the Imjin River water system;

3) joint inter-Korean investigation of and research on projects that are closely related to the Gyeonggi border area;

4) joint forest restoration project between the two Koreas and a comprehensive rural development project; and

5) launch of a flood recovery support project for North Korea.

 

Governor said in his opening keynote speech, “We must stimulate our daily lives to be positive and for lasting peace, not passive or unstable. Achieving prosperity on this foundation, these are the imperatives of today.”

 

He also said, “Gyeonggi Province is the largest local autonomy in Korea and also where part of the DMZ is located. As such, Gyeonggi Province is the place most affected by inter-Korean relations. Therefore, we have a great sense of mission and responsibility for the development of inter-Korean relations and the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula. Through inter-Korean exchanges, we intend to restore trust and establish peace, thereby taking the path of prosperity. I believe this is good for both South and North Korea.” He then proposed the following five cooperation projects with the North:

 

First, he proposed the establishment of a joint medical and health quarantine center in the Kaepung and Kaesong areas, saying “As seen with African swine fever and COVID-19, infectious diseases cannot be stopped by borders. To prevent losses and ensure the safety of all Koreans, it is necessary to establish a joint defense cooperation system between the two Koreas.”

 

Second, Governor proposed cooperation in the management of the Imjin River water system. He explained that such cooperation would help prevent flood damage in South Korea while also aiding in the prevention of dry seasons and water shortages in North Korea.

 

Third, Governor suggested that research should be conducted to create a peace park in which citizens of the two Koreas may freely travel in connection with Kaesong and Panmunjom in the DMZ, stressing, “It is time to resume the South-North Joint Waterway Survey of the Han River Estuary and implement the creation of a Yellow Sea Joint Special Economic Zone as mutually agreed upon.”

 

Fourth, he mentioned that Gyeonggi Province was the first Korean local autonomy to receive exemption from United Nations sanctions for tree nursery and smart greenhouse projects in the North, and proposed the resumption of consultations on the establishment of the Kaepung Nursuries and Exemplary Farm Towns as worries about sanctions against North Korea have dissipated.

 

Lastly, Governor said, “Due to this year’s record monsoon season and typhoons, I know that damage in the North has been very serious. As one people, it is natural for us to help our compatriots in difficult times. In 1984, when we suffered from major flooding, the North provided relief supplies without any conditions. Gyeonggi Province will join the flood recovery efforts of the North unconditionally.”

 

Governor concluded his speech by saying, “Gyeonggi is ready to talk anytime, anywhere. North Korea's participation is indispensable in realizing the aforementioned proposals. I also implore the Korean National Assembly to show our commitment to peace and cooperation by promptly addressing pertinent issues, such as the enactment of anti-Pyongyang leaflet measures and the ratification of the North-South Summit.”