Na Kyung-won, Davos Special Envoy: "Globalization Must Be Based on Democracy and Human Rights"

Emphasizing the Values of Liberal Democracy, Human Rights, and Market Economy

Na Kyung-won, former floor leader of the People Power Party and special presidential envoy to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 'Davos Forum,' is meeting with Klaus Schwab, WEF Chairman, on the afternoon of the 25th. Photo by Ministry of Foreign Affairs [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] Na Kyung-won, former floor leader of the People Power Party and special presidential envoy to the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, stated in a discussion that "future globalization should be based on the values of liberal democracy, human rights, and market economy."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that Special Envoy Na expressed this view on the 26th (local time) while participating as a panelist in the 'Future of Global Cooperation' session at the Davos Forum.

Special Envoy Na further emphasized the new government's value-based diplomatic principles, saying, "Korea, which has achieved both industrialization and democratization in the past century through close cooperation with the international community, is the greatest beneficiary of multilateralism."

He added that based on this, Korea will contribute to the production and supply of global public goods such as green technology and lead international cooperation.

The day before, Special Envoy Na met with Klaus Schwab, Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), and discussed ways to expand cooperation with the WEF in areas such as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital transformation, and climate change.

Chairman Schwab introduced the 'First Movers Coalition' (FMC) initiative, jointly launched by the United States and the WEF in November last year, and requested Special Envoy Na to encourage participation from the Korean government and companies.

The FMC is an alliance centered on major companies aimed at accelerating the commercialization of innovative clean energy technologies. It was announced by President Biden at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) last year.

On the same day, Special Envoy Na also met with Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank (ECB), exchanging views on the European Union's (EU) policy toward Russia following the Ukraine crisis, and engaged with female leaders.