Gwangju Office of Education Holds Children and Youth Meeting at Human Rights Cities Forum

Let's Create a Classroom Culture of Respect for Human Rights Through Student Autonomy

The Gwangju Office of Education held the '2025 World Human Rights Cities Forum - Children and Youth Thematic Meeting' at the Kim Daejung Convention Center on the 16th.

This year marks the 15th edition of the World Human Rights Cities Forum, which is being held under the theme 'Peace and Solidarity: Human Rights Cities Resisting War and Violence.' The forum runs for three days from the 15th, featuring 27 programs across seven fields. Among these, the Office of Education organized the 'Children and Youth Thematic Meeting.'

Group photo of the '2025 World Human Rights Cities Forum - Children and Youth Thematic Meeting' held on the 16th at Kim Daejung Convention Center. Provided by Gwangju Office of Education.

This thematic meeting, held under the theme 'A Classroom Culture Where Everyone's Human Rights Are Respected Through Student Autonomy,' brought together around 100 participants, including education experts, human rights officials, students, parents, and teachers.

The event began with a keynote presentation by Professor Noh Cheolhyeon of Seoul National University of Education titled 'The Necessity and Significance of Spreading a Culture of Respect for Human Rights Through Student Autonomy Activities.' This was followed by presentations such as 'Diverse Voices Toward Respecting Human Rights of the Three Main Parties in Education' by Lee Youngbae, a teacher at Gwangju National University of Education Elementary School, and 'Practical Measures for Creating a Classroom Culture Where Everyone's Human Rights Are Respected' by Park Cheolwan, an education supervisor at Jeonnam Provincial Office of Education.

Participants exchanged views on the necessity of student autonomy and ways to promote a culture of respect for human rights in classrooms. In the subsequent discussion session, students, teachers, and parents shared their perspectives on current educational issues.

The discussion featured Lee Kyeongeun (3rd year, Gwangju Hyogwang Middle School), Choi Jangwoo (3rd year, Gwangju Seoseok High School), teacher Jang Yunmi (Gakhwa Middle School), and parent Yang Honggyu (Jeonnam National University High School). The presentations and discussion materials from the event are available on the official website of the World Human Rights Cities Forum.

Superintendent Lee Jeongseon stated, "When students, teachers, and parents each fulfill their roles, our education can take a step forward," adding, "We will continue to listen more closely to students' voices and provide support to create schools where everyone is respected."