PyeongChang Global Peace Forum — Is there finally hope for peace between the two Koreas?
On Monday, September 27th, Francis Daehoon Lee held a briefing on the two upcoming PyeongChang Global Peace Forums — the first taking place in 2019 and the second in 2020 — meant to address conflict between North and South Korea directly. These forums have been made possible due to several historical developments — the South-Korean peace demonstrations (2016-17), the Olympics (2018) and the inter-Korean summit. The PyeongChang Global Peace Forums aim to resolve issues between North and South Korea through peace talks and direct involvement between both administrations. The briefing on the forums included a discussion regarding the inter-Korean summit in April 2018 as well as the difficulties and perceived threat posed by North Korean missile tests. Those in attendance also discussed the “demilitarized zone” between the countries, ironically recognized as rather “one of the most militarized zones of the world” [1]. The demilitarization of this area would provide an opportunity for peace between the North and South.
The organizers expressed their desire for North Korea to attend the Forum and the “PyeongChang Appeal for Peace” focusing on four areas; root causes of war/culture of peace, international humanitarian and human rights law and institution, prevention, resolution, and transformation of violent conflict, and disarmament and human security [2]. It was agreed the final consensus should come from the US and the UN. For them, the Hague Agenda of Peace (1999) had already been a large step toward peace, but the time had come for another large transition for amity between nations. The key organizations of the Forum shall be: International Action Network on Small Arms, Global Campaign for Peace Education, Global Ratification Campaign for the International Criminal Court, International Campaign to Ban Landmines, Abolition of Nuclear Weapons, Stop the Use of Child Soldier [3].
The briefing’s discussion opened for those in attendance to offer opinions on the plan and give further suggestions. The question was raised as to where the involvement of the North-Korean people stands and concern the Peace Forum would miss “half of its heart” if it neglected to include North Korean Civil Society [4]. The idea of involving North Korea directly faced some objections, notably the concern for tension between persecuted North Korean refugees and government officials. Criticism was also raised regarding the United States’s inclusion in the final decision-making process [5]. Instead, it was suggested that the effort on the summit come from Korean people and Civil Society. Ultimately, those in attendance recognized the positive actions taking place with both Korean nations initiating the peace process.
Korean peace process plans will focus on the narrative of the two countries in addition to their cultures and history in order to find an adaptive solution [6]. Francis Daehoon Lee ensured the desire for every person — women and men, you and old — to be included and represented peacebuilding efforts. Lee also highlighted the instances of positive youth involvement, citing students of North and South Korea have even walked together along the “demilitarized zone” as a walk for peace. While greater steps are still needed for a peaceful coexistence between the North and South, it is important to recognize the positive actions undertaken between Korean nations that have allowed the forums to take place at all. Dialogue between parties in conflict is always key in the peacebuilding process and we look forward to the positive resolutions that will come as a result from the 2019 Forums.
Follow the link to read more about efforts between North and South Korea toward achieving peace: https://cnn.it/2zYh3eQ
References:
[1] Briefing on “PyeongChang Global Peace Forum 2019". WeWorks. Grand Central. 2018–09–24.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Ibid.
