Explanation on the Theme of 'Red Cross Inter-Korean Exchange Projects and the Humanitarian Future of the Korean Peninsula'
The Graduate School of Public Administration at Gyeongnam National University held a special lecture by Kim Cheol-su, President of the Korean Red Cross, on the evening of the 7th at 7 PM in the Peace Hall of the Changjo Building as part of the 14th term curriculum of the Unification Future Senior Executive Program.
President Kim holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Korea University and a Doctor of Law degree from Kyung Hee University. He has been awarded the Moran Medal and the Magnolia Medal of the Order of Civil Merit. He previously served as President of the Korean Hospital Association and the Korean AIDS Association. Currently, he is Chairman of the H+ Yangji Hospital under the Seoul Hyochon Medical Foundation, Vice Chairman of the Central Committee of the Korean Senior Citizens Association, and Head of the Medical Volunteer Group of the National Unification Advisory Council.
His publications include "Dreams Blooming Amidst Frustration: The Story Collection of Dr. Kim Cheol-su (2011)" and "Everything About Adult Diseases (1994)".
On this day, President Kim gave a lecture titled "Red Cross Inter-Korean Exchange Projects and the Humanitarian Future of the Korean Peninsula," covering topics such as ▲ the International Red Cross Movement ▲ the history and activities of the Korean Red Cross ▲ inter-Korean exchange projects of the Korean Red Cross ▲ support projects for separated families ▲ unification foundation projects ▲ the reality of North Korea and the humanitarian future of the Korean Peninsula. About 80 participants of the 14th term of the Unification Future Senior Executive Program attended the lecture.
President Kim introduced, "Since its establishment in 1905 by Emperor Gojong's imperial decree to 'relieve the suffering of the impoverished people,' the Korean Red Cross has always stood with the people through turbulent history, including funding the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea and independence fighters, training nurses for the treatment of independence fighters, and enduring severe disasters and epidemics."
He then introduced the Korean Red Cross's inter-Korean exchange projects such as support for separated families, unification foundation projects, and aid to North Korea, stating, "We are envisioning a humanitarian future for the Korean Peninsula where mature unification is achieved through a smooth process, permanent peace is enjoyed, and everyone is happy," emphasizing that "humanitarianism is the last means toward unification."
He also pointed out the gradually collapsing medical and educational systems in North Korea, explaining, "The humanitarian projects of the Korean Red Cross are the lowest-level inter-Korean exchange projects and the earliest possible inter-Korean exchange projects to begin."
Meanwhile, the Unification Future Senior Executive Program, jointly operated by Gyeongnam National University and the University of North Korean Studies, was established to invite experts with rich experience in unification, diplomacy, and security fields to provide insights into the past, present, and future of the Korean Peninsula. The program contemplates peace settlement in Northeast Asia and the future of the Korean Peninsula, sharing knowledge, strategies, and visions for unification. The 14th term will run until December 2024.
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