"Great Powers Each for Themselves, Undermining International Solidarity... Need to Revive the Spirit of Multilateralism"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in emphasized that the self-help actions of major powers during the COVID-19 pandemic could undermine international solidarity and cooperation, and that it is time to revive multilateralism and the spirit of inclusion.

In his closing remarks during a special speech at the World Economic Forum on the 27th, President Moon said, "There is a selfish movement by vaccine-advanced countries prioritizing their own citizens and attempting to control exports."

President Moon stated, "One of the regrettable things experienced during the COVID-19 situation is realizing how fragile and easily broken the solidarity and cooperation, division of labor within multilateralism, humanitarian spirit of coexistence, trust, and integration that the world has developed so far actually are," adding, "The strongest weapon to win the war against new infectious diseases like COVID-19 is the solidarity and cooperation of the international community."

President Moon emphasized, "If herd immunity is not achieved together in all countries but only in some, its effect will inevitably be limited and short-lived," and "If major powers show self-help behavior when humanity is facing difficulties together, the spirit of international solidarity and cooperation will collapse."

He continued, "Humanity was unprepared when COVID-19 struck, so there were many trial and error experiences, but now is the time to revive the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, multilateralism, and inclusion."

Global CEOs and representatives of international organizations attending the forum praised, "Congratulations on K-Quarantine," "Thank you for your excellent leadership," "You have shown hopeful leadership during the COVID-19 situation," "We were greatly inspired by the green agenda," "The construction of an inclusive innovation nation was inspiring," "Digital technology innovation greatly contributed to the successful K-Quarantine. It seems you understand the importance of technology very well."

President Moon expressed gratitude in response, saying, "If K-Quarantine succeeded, it is because the Korean people believed in the value of solidarity and cooperation and became the main agents of quarantine themselves," adding, "I am proud of the people who practiced social distancing while simultaneously developing creative technologies such as the COVID map, mask map, self-quarantine app, epidemiological investigation app, drive-thru, and walk-thru, making Korea a model country for quarantine."

He further said, "With the full-scale promotion of the Korean New Deal, economic recovery is expected to be faster and stronger," and "I hope more investment will be made in Korea, which has an attractive and stable business environment."