Yoon to Korea-France Future Generations: "Korea Joins Innovation Journey... Challenge Freely"

Yoon Visits World's Largest Startup Campus Station F in Paris
"Overcoming Global Crises Through Global Solidarity and Innovation"

On the second day of his visit to France, June 20 (local time), President Yoon Suk-yeol urged the future generations of Korea and France, saying, "The government of the Republic of Korea will also join your innovation journey through solidarity and cooperation based on universal values. Challenge yourselves freely."

That afternoon, President Yoon visited Station F in Paris, the "world's largest startup campus," and made these remarks during a dialogue with the future innovation generations of Korea and France on the theme of innovation. The event was conducted in a format where President Yoon and the youth freely exchanged conversations.

President Yoon appeared to standing ovations and cheers from the youth, responding, "Today, I saw young people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities challenging humanity's problems with a spirit of solidarity. I am truly proud."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

He continued, "To overcome the challenges and crises the world faces, relentless innovation based solely on freedom and solidarity is required," adding, "Above all, you, the future generations, must be armed with an innovative mindset based on liberalism and internationalism."

He further stated, "In that sense, Station F, where many future generations worldwide interact and cooperate to lead new trends and technologies, is a symbol of internationalism and innovation," and mentioned, "The sight of Korean youth nurturing their startup dreams at Station F and French talents receiving incubation from Korean companies and growing together shows that the future is already right before us."

President Yoon explained the pursuit of joining 'Horizon Europe,' the EU's largest research and innovation program, announced during the Korea-EU summit in Seoul on May 22, as well as the signing of the 'Korea-EU Green Partnership' and 'Korea-EU Digital Partnership,' promising, "We will take the lead in overcoming global crises through innovation via global solidarity." Horizon Europe is the EU's largest research innovation program with a budget of 99.5 billion euros (approximately 130 trillion won).

About 300 people attended the event, including youth from both countries, Roxanne Varza, CEO of Station F, C?dric O, former Minister of Economy and Digital Affairs and Secretary of State for Public Accounts, and Korean startup CEOs residing at Station F.