KATHMANDU, August 21: In the aftermath of the botched exit of US forces from Afghanistan, a peacefully planned reunification of the Korean peninsula is all the more urgent and crucial.
Korea has been divided for nearly three-quarters of a century. The chaos at the Kabul airport dramatically demonstrates the importance that intra-Korean negotiations based on support from international stakeholders quickly go beyond the current impasse.
Asia-Pacific chapters of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) recently concluded a 2-day, 8-session program, August 19-20, entitled, “Toward Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula: Prospects for Economic Development and Peace.”
UPF Nepal organizes conference on peaceful reunification of Kor...
This was the third and final in a series of International Leadership Conferences held over the past three months concurrently in regions around the world. Here in the Asia-Pacific region, over 9,800 viewers registered for the August event which had a reach exceeding 300,000.
Thirty-eight speakers included members of parliament, diplomats, religious leaders, business executives, academicians, journalists, sportsmen and women, along with cultural performances representing nearly 40 nations from South, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. They shared their expertise and encouragement for Korean reunification.
Two successful peace-building models, based on the Asian mindset and family-friendly culture, were discussed: Cambodia and Nepal. In addition, Ambassador Luis T. Cruz, Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (2008-2014), cited the creation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations where regional dialogue and cooperation were built amid political conflicts.
Chairman of The Washington Times daily newspaper in the US capital Tom McDevitt said it was too early to measure the impact of events in Afghanistan on the prospects of peace in East Asia. He cautioned for a wait-and-see attitude.
Addressing the function, Director of Nepal Republic Media Limited Shova Gyawali said the steps taken to see Korea as one must not only be well-thought but also responsive. She also said that this must encapsulate the interests of Koreans and take into consideration all the actors involved. "Progressing into a more inclusive society, we definitely have to be sensitive and assuring towards the people that will be directly affected. Because behind all of these efforts we take, is a community ready to celebrate when Korea is once again united," she said.
Chairman for UPF in the Asia Pacific and a two-time government minister from Nepal Ek Nath Dhakal noted that speakers highly recommend a Track II diplomacy approach based on Asian cultural values. He added that UPF championed soft power as the means to find lasting solutions to critical challenges of our time.
