[1st Anniversary of Mayor Kang Gijeong of Gwangju in the 8th Civil Term]⑦ A 'Inclusive City' Empathizing with Global Pain

Expanding City Diplomacy Beyond Sister City Ties to Official Development Assistance and Climate Response

Inclusive Symbols Like Goryeoin Village and Flag Raising... "All People of the World Are Gwangju Citizens"

One of the key policies that Kang Gi-jung, Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, is focusing on is the ‘Inclusive City Gwangju.’ It aims to create a city that does not tolerate any discrimination or exclusion, empathizes with the pain of people worldwide, and overcomes it together. This is seen as a continuation of the spirit of the May 18 Democratic Movement.

At the 104th anniversary of the March 1st Movement ceremony on March 1st, Mayor Kang emphasized ‘Inclusive City Gwangju.’ He stated, “Following the March 1st Independence Movement and the May 18 Democratic Movement, we do not tolerate deeply entrenched discrimination and exclusion, and aspire to be an inclusive city that embraces the pain of others. This is truly preserving the Gwangju spirit. Following the history that leads directly to the heart of democracy, the May 18 Democratic Movement, Gwangju now aims to move forward as ‘Inclusive City Gwangju.’”

▲ Embracing the pain of others, continuing the May 18 spirit through inclusion

‘Inclusive City Gwangju’ goes beyond sharing pain and empathy; it grows democracy together with people worldwide.

Just as the world did not ignore but embraced ‘Gwangju 1980,’ Gwangju has practiced this by helping compatriots who came to the Korean diaspora village due to the Ukraine war settle down, and by sending love to the people of T?rkiye and Syria who are suffering from a major earthquake.

The Korean diaspora village is a symbol of ‘Inclusive City Gwangju.’ In Gwangsan District, there is the only Korean diaspora enclave in the country. According to Ministry of Justice statistics, about 4,700 people live there, while estimates from the Korean diaspora village put the number at around 7,000.

Mayor Kang evaluated, “The ‘May Spirit’ grew and led to the creation of the Korean diaspora village, and now Gwangju is moving toward a true inclusive city centered on the Korean diaspora village.” The first World Korean Diaspora Conference held in Gwangju on May 19 was a natural event and proof that Gwangju is an inclusive city.

The ‘World Human Rights Cities Forum’ is also held in Gwangju. Through the forum, Gwangju promotes and expands the value of an inclusive city embraced by the May 18 spirit. The 13th World Human Rights Cities Forum will be held for four days from October 4 to 7 at the Kim Dae-jung Convention Center. The theme is ‘Cities Responding to Poverty and Inequality.’

This is to discuss the increasingly complex and diverse issues of poverty and inequality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate crisis, the Ukraine war, and the spread of advanced digital technologies.

▲ Active ‘City Diplomacy’ in Culture, Sports, and Industry

Going beyond sister city relationships, ‘city diplomacy’ actively shares each city’s experiences in areas such as official development assistance (ODA), greenhouse gas reduction, and resource recycling projects.

The goal of Gwangju’s city diplomacy is to advance toward an inclusive city. Its core lies in sharing Gwangju’s unique experiences as an Asian cultural hub city, the Gwangju Biennale, democracy, human rights, peace, and climate recovery city. Based on this, the strategy is to realize a city where the rights and voices of minorities are guaranteed, diversity is respected, and everyday democracy is realized, and to carry out Gwangju’s unique city diplomacy that shares these values.

To this end, Gwangju is currently establishing the ‘Basic Plan for Revitalizing International Exchange’ (2023?2027). Currently, Gwangju has sister and friendship city relationships with 40 cities in 20 countries. This year, it plans to diversify exchange cities to North America, including Central Asia, the United States, and Canada, and expand fields to culture, sports, and industry.

Additionally, Gwangju plans to continuously discover KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) government ministry proposal projects that utilize Gwangju’s strengths in democracy, human rights, artificial intelligence (AI), and climate crisis response.

▲ Empathy and Consideration Are the ‘Seeds of Inclusion’

Another symbol of Inclusive City Gwangju is ‘flag raising.’ This is a practical act of consideration and respect for others.

Flag raising began on May 19 with the visit of the Swedish Ambassador to Korea to Gwangju City Hall. In line with the ambassador’s visit, the national flags of Korea and Sweden fluttered side by side on the flagpole at the city hall. On the 20th, the flag of Shinheung Electric Co., Ltd., which received the Prime Minister’s Commendation for contributing to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises, was raised.

Although ‘flag raising’ is a small act, it is evaluated that Gwangju’s sincerity in consideration and respect was conveyed and moved the other party. Daniel Bolven, the Swedish Ambassador to Korea, who saw the Swedish flag flying at Gwangju City Hall, said, “This kind of hospitality is the first for me,” and promised, “I want to participate in the Gwangju Biennale, one of the world’s top three biennales and Asia’s largest art festival. I will work to make the 120 Swedish companies operating in Korea new investors in Gwangju.”

Various events where people from around the world can come together are also held vibrantly. These include ‘World Citizens Day,’ ‘Vietnamese Day,’ ‘Foreign Exchange Students Day,’ and ‘Gwangju International Exchange Week,’ where Gwangju citizens and people worldwide unite to enjoy diverse cultures and communicate and connect together. The ‘Student Supporters (Cheering Squad),’ who act as private diplomats and ambassadors, are also operating.

Mayor Kang stated, “All foreigners who study, work, build families, and live in Gwangju are also Gwangju citizens,” adding, “World citizens become Gwangju citizens, and Gwangju will grow even more as an inclusive city. We will ensure that everyone living in Gwangju leads a happy life.”