DMZ Peace Zone Symposium (WFWP Korea)

On June 2, WFWP Korea and the United Nations Association Republic of Korea (UNARK) co-hosted the DMZ Peace Zone Symposium under the theme: “DMZ, connecting the past, present and future.” The event was held at the Kim Koo Museum and Library, to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Korean War. Over 1,000 attendees were virtually present to honor this historical time.

The event started with opening remarks from the emcee of the program, Mrs. Sung-Soon Hong, Vice-president of WFWP Korea. 

Next, the welcoming remarks were given by Dr. Julia Moon, President of WFWPI, who shared her hopes of writing a new history that can realize a unified Korea. Dr. Moon stated, “I think it's time to show a new imagination by thinking about the future of the country and our next generation beyond the factual discussion of the DMZ. Now, it is necessary to more actively appeal to the great powers responsible for the division of the Korean Peninsula as well as take responsibility among ourselves to overcome division and contribute to world peace.”

The remark was followed by greetings from Dr. Ho-Jin Lee, Acting President, UNARK. Dr. Lee emphasized the UN’s vital role in peace at the DMZ by stating “The DMZ is under the jurisdiction of the armistice agreement signed in 1953. In addition, if a major incident occurs at the DMZ, it is subject to the convening of an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. This is a big reason why the UN has to play a role in peace at the DMZ.”

The congratulatory remarks were given by Mr. Jin-Tae Joo, UPF Chairman of the Seoul and Incheon Chapter. Mr. Joo made hopeful remarks, stating that “Unlike the name ‘DMZ,’ it is very innovative that a women's group is trying to transform the DMZ, a place armed with weapons and is a symbol of war- into a space of peace. I hope that everyone who attended will play a pioneering role so that the DMZ can be reborn as a peace zone.”

During the presentation, three academic experts; Dr. Han-Beom Jo, Dr. Hyeon-Sook Om, and Dr. Heong-Soon Park, discussed ways to utilize DMZ into a peace zone which is currently the symbol of division for the two Koreas. At the end of the event, representatives from WFWP Korea and UNARK signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on education, PR, research and policies to promote world peace and establish sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula