At 2014 UN International Conference for Peace on Korean Peninsula held on Oct 31, Gyeonggi Province declared its determination to host a UN office

◇ At the 2014 UN International Conference for Peace on the Korean Peninsula held on October 31, Gyeonggi Province officially declared its suitability to host the fifth UN office. Pictured: Gyeonggi Province Vice Governor Kim Hee-kyeem delivers a presentation at the conference. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

At the 2014 UN International Conference for Peace on the Korean Peninsula held in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 31, Gyeonggi Province officially declared its suitability to host the fifth UN office to the international community.

Held under the theme of ‘the world’s role for peace on the Korean Peninsula,’ the international conference was attended by a number of prominent figures in the world peace movement including: Dr. Walter Schwimmer, a former Secretary General of the Council of Europe; the Honorable Yves Nidegger, a member of the Swiss parliament; and Dr. Willem Van Eekelen, a former Minister of Defense of the Netherlands.

Representing Gyeonggi Province, Vice Governor Kim Hee-kyeum participated in the conference as a speaker in the first session, and explained the appropriateness of establishing a UN office in Gyeonggi Province under the theme of ‘Strengthening World Peace: Case for Establishing 5th UN Office in Korea.’

During the presentation, Vice Governor Kim described: ▲the historical relationship between the UN and Korea; ▲the current status of Korea at the apex of the post-cold war system while contributing to world peace; ▲the role of the UN for peace in Asia, the appropriateness of establishing a UN office in Korea, and the hopes of Gyeonggi Province. At a subsequent forum, Vice Governor Kim stressed the necessity of establishing a UN office in Korea, and added that Gyeonggi Province would continue to make efforts to that end. 

On October 30, prior to the conference, Vice Governor Kim met Korean Ambassador to Geneva Choi Seok-yeong and explained the appropriateness of hosting a UN office in Korea. Later that day, Vice Governor Kim met with UN Office at Geneva Cabinet Chief David A. Chikvaidze and requested support for Korea’s bid to host a UN Office.

In response, Cabinet Chief Chikvaidze said, “I cannot understand why no UN office has yet been established to represent Asia. Establishing a UN office in Korea is a good idea for the UN as well.” He also expressed his considerable interest and did not hesitate to offer advice, saying, “A clear vision should be presented about financial support from the Korean government, the agreement of neighboring countries, and the role of Korea within the UN. As it requires nationwide promotion, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon may need to play a role in this.” 

“Including the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (CTAD) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), some major UN-affiliated organizations are located near the UN Office at Geneva, which create an economic effect of [KRW 5.6 trillion] a year through the hosting of various international conferences and the attraction of foreign tourists,” Chief of Cabinet Chikvaidze added.

He also said that a UN office in Korea would provide an ideal opportunity to bring peace and prosperity to the UN as well as to Korea and East Asia. 

Based on the results of the conference, Gyeonggi Province will undertake greater efforts to host a UN office in Korea in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other central government bodies. Gyeonggi Province will examine various methods toward that end such as holding the 2015 International Conference. 

◇ Vice Governor Kim Hee-kyeum speaks with UN Office at Geneva Cabinet Chief David A. Chikvaidze. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Park Gwan-sik malbut@kg21.net

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