'The Gwangju Future Education Forum' Launched, Embracing Democracy, Culture, and AI

Led by Education Veterans: "Citizen-Participatory Educational Innovation"
"A Turning Point Toward Inclusive Education"... Policy Research and Academic Activities Planned

'The Gwangju Future Education Forum' was launched on the 17th at 2 p.m. at the Suwan Culture and Sports Center in Gwangsan-gu, with over 200 participants including education veterans, parents, and education experts. Photo by The Gwangju Future Education Forum

'The Gwangju Future Education Forum' was officially launched on October 17 in Gwangju, with the aim of seeking educational innovation that harmonizes the values of democracy, culture and arts, and artificial intelligence (AI) together with citizens. The forum was initiated by local education veterans who came together for this purpose, and it was established with the goal of realizing "Gwangju Future Education Created by Citizens," reflecting diverse opinions from schools, parents, and citizens.

The launch ceremony, held at 2 p.m. at the Suwan Culture and Sports Center in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, was attended by Executive Representative Park Iksoo (former principal of Jeonnam Girls' High School), Co-Representatives Jang Byunghoon (former principal of Chodaebu High School) and Park Inseok (former principal of Biago High School), as well as Advisors Kim Changhyun (former president of Gwangju National University of Education), Bae Jongyong (former head of the Social Sports Division at Gwangju Metropolitan Office of Education), and Na Ganche (former professor of sociology at Chonnam National University). Over 200 participants, including education veterans, parents, and education experts, attended the event.

In his founding declaration, Executive Representative Park Iksoo stated, "Gwangju, as a city of democracy and human rights, is leading the future of Korea as a city centered on AI. In this historical and contemporary context, the mission that education must become the core driving force to prepare the new generation is the starting point and very reason for the forum's existence." He went on to emphasize, "We will make continuous efforts to firmly establish Gwangju as the model city for educational innovation in Korea."

In his congratulatory remarks, Assemblyman Min Hyungbae of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Gwangsan-eul, Gwangju) described the forum's launch as "a highly meaningful occasion that declares a new path for education in Gwangju in the AI era." He added, "We have reached a turning point toward inclusive education, where every student can learn fairly and maximize their individual potential and capabilities. The National Assembly will also actively support ensuring that education values people over technology and the right direction over speed."

Meanwhile, 'The Gwangju Future Education Forum' plans to continue policy research and citizen-participatory academic activities to seek ways to advance future education in Gwangju. The forum is expected not only to engage in research and discussion, but also to actively pursue practical initiatives that will bring about real change in the educational field.