55th Far East Forum Held on the 18th
Theme: 'Overcoming the Climate Crisis and Our Security'
Over 500 Leaders from Various Sectors Attended
"God always forgives. Humans sometimes forgive. But nature never forgives."
At the Far East Forum held on the 18th, Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General, shared that he heard these words from Pope Francis during a meeting at the Vatican in Rome in 2019, emphasizing the need to change everyday paradigms in relation to the climate crisis. The Far East Forum was held at the Far East Art Hall in Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, under the theme "Overcoming the Climate Crisis and Our Security," with over 500 attendees from various sectors, including Akiva Tor, Ambassador of Israel to Korea, and Dmytro Ponomarenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Korea.
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is giving a speech at the Far East Forum held on the 18th. [Photo by Far East Broadcasting Company]
Former Secretary-General Ban warned of the horrific consequences the climate crisis could bring. He stated, "On a global scale, coal power generation last year accounted for 35.4%, which is actually a 1% increase compared to 2021," and expressed concern that "if climate change continues as it is, a mass extinction could occur within this century, wiping out 70% of living organisms."
He continued, "Our country proposed a 40% reduction by 2030 compared to 2018, but according to 2022 statistics, only a 10% reduction has been achieved," urging, "We must make greater efforts for our own survival."
Regarding national security, he highlighted the importance of the Korea-US alliance. He said, "The best way to prevent war is to have strong deterrence. The highest and most effective level of strong deterrence is an alliance between countries that share values and beliefs," emphasizing, "In that sense, the Korea-US alliance is truly important."
He added, "The Korea-US summit held in Washington on April 26 stabilized and solidified the previously shaky Korea-US relationship," explaining, "Especially, for the first time in the 70-year alliance history, the establishment of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) as a regular bilateral nuclear consultation body and the agreement to regularly deploy US strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula are groundbreaking achievements."
Marking its 55th year this year, the Far East Forum has illuminated major issues from a Christian worldview since its inception in 2003. Past attendees have included former US Vice President Mike Pence, former President Kim Young-sam, former Prime Minister Han Seung-soo, and former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun.
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