From Memories of Division to a Future of Peace... 9/19 Declaration 7th Anniversary Event Held

Gyeonggi Province and Ministry of Unification to Host 7th Anniversary of 9·19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration
"Peace, A New Beginning!"... Event to Be Held at Camp Greaves in Paju
Former President Moon Jae-in to Deliver Commemorative Address... Attendance by Former and Current High-Ranking Officials
Governor Kim Dong-yeon to Join Panel on "New Government's Policy on the Korean Peninsula and Restoration of the 9·19 Military Agreement"

The '9·19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration 7th Anniversary Commemoration Event,' jointly hosted by Gyeonggi Province, the Ministry of Unification, and the Democratic Government Council for the Inheritance and Development of Peace on the Korean Peninsula, and sponsored by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, will be held at Camp Greaves in Paju at 10:30 a.m. on September 19.

'9·19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration 7th Anniversary Commemoration Event' Poster. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

This commemorative event, under the theme 'Peace, A New Beginning!', is designed to reflect on the historical significance of the September 19, 2018 Pyongyang Joint Declaration and to share the value of peace on the Korean Peninsula with the public.

The ceremony will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and will proceed in the following order: a special forum, a commemorative performance, the official ceremony, and an on-site tour.

The first event, the special forum, will feature in-depth discussions on 'The New Government's Policy on the Korean Peninsula and the Restoration of the 9·19 Military Agreement.' The forum will be moderated by former Minister of Unification Kim Yeon-chul, with panelists including former Minister of Unification Jeong Se-hyun, former Minister of Unification Lee Jae-jung, former National Security Office Director Suh Hoon, Minister of Unification Jeong Dong-young, and Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon.

During the following luncheon and commemorative performance, singer Jung-in will deliver a special musical performance for attendees. In addition, there will be a small concert with melodies of peace at Cafe Greaves, providing time for exchange and sharing messages of peace and harmony.

The official ceremony will begin with an opening address by Park Neung-hoo, Executive Representative of the Forum Saejae, followed by welcome remarks from Kwon No-gap, Chairman of the Kim Dae-jung Foundation, Cha Seong-su, Chairman of the Roh Moo-hyun Foundation, Lim Dong-won, Chairman of the Korean Peninsula Peace Forum, and Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon. Afterwards, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik and Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae will deliver congratulatory speeches, followed by former President Moon Jae-in, who will present a commemorative address for the 7th anniversary of the 9·19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration.

Subsequently, distinguished guests will visit the Gallery Greaves exhibition and the Officers' Club, directly experiencing the symbolic meaning of transforming 'memories of division' into 'spaces of peace.' General participants will also enjoy a variety of programs, including a concert at the ammunition depot, a tour of the Neutral Nations Supervisory Commission Exhibition Hall, and a performance at Cafe Greaves, sharing in the experience of peace at the site.

The venue for the event, Camp Greaves, is located only 2 kilometers from the DMZ and was used by U.S. forces from the aftermath of the Korean War. It is a symbolic site where the pain of division and the hope for peace coexist. By holding the commemorative event here, the organizers aim to convey a message of transforming 'memories of division' into 'a future of peace.'

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon recently explained the background of the event in a radio interview, stating, "To mark the 7th anniversary of the 9·19 Pyongyang Joint Declaration, Gyeonggi Province has prepared a meaningful event. The venue, Camp Greaves in Paju, is one of the U.S. military return sites where development has been completed. By linking the development of these sites and the restoration of the 9·19 Military Agreement, Gyeonggi Province aims to take the first step as a government pacemaker for inter-Korean peace. We hope for your interest in this event."