Hanyang University Seeks Peace at Veterans Future Forum

Discussion on International Development Cooperation and Public Diplomacy Strategies

Hanyang University announced on the 18th that it successfully held the "International Veterans Affairs Future Forum for Sustainable Development," co-hosted with the Global Social Innovation Collective Impact Center, the Business Research Institute, and the Government Innovation Policy Research Institute.

At the ‘Future of International Veterans Affairs for Sustainable Development’ forum held at Hanyang University HIT Hall, participants are posing for a group photo.

The forum took place on the 7th at Hanyang University HIT, bringing together experts in international development cooperation, public diplomacy, and veterans affairs to explore the role and direction of future veterans affairs.

Participants agreed that veterans affairs should be utilized not merely as war commemoration but as a core tool of public diplomacy, contributing to solving global social issues in connection with international development cooperation. The forum discussed tailored welfare policies such as PTSD treatment, vocational training, and veterans pensions; the introduction of innovative solutions using smart healthcare and blockchain technology; strengthening cooperation with countries involved in wars and developing nations; and the adoption of the "Smart Village" concept.

Hanyang University plans to lead international veterans affairs research and policy development through this forum and seek practical measures for sustainable development and peacebuilding via public diplomacy and international development cooperation. The discussions from the forum are expected to serve as important reference materials for future improvements in veterans affairs ODA policies and the establishment of international cooperation strategies.

Kim Sujin, a researcher at KOICA, emphasized, "Through the veterans affairs ODA and HDP Nexus approach, we must strengthen the resilience and peace of post-war countries," highlighting that veterans affairs should go beyond simple welfare support and be linked with development cooperation to drive sustainable development.