—Focus on “Asian Paradox”
Between August 11 and 15, the Yonsei Institute of East and West Studies (IEWS) Leadership Center hosted the Yonsei Northeast Asian Network (YNEAN) Forum at the international campus in Songdo. An international conference intended to promote cultural exchange, develop global networks, and help broaden understanding of Northeast Asian issues, the theme of this year’s forum was “Asian Paradox: Competition or Cooperation.” Some seventy university students from Asia and Europe (along with nine Korean high school student “observers”) took part in lectures and seminars that examined the Asian phenomenon of growing distrust and conflict among nations combined with increasing economic and human exchanges between them. In addition to the focus on improving economic and political cooperation while reducing conflicts in the region, the forum included workshops on culture, the environment, and technology.
At the opening ceremony, the head of the Yonsei Leadership Center, Professor Lee Jeong-hoon, welcomed the participants and provided them with an overview of the Leadership Center and YNEAN. Professor Lee Yeon-ho, director of IEWS, also spoke, emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution in ensuring the continued prosperity of Northeast Asia. The keynote address, given by Iwatani Shigeo, Secretary-General of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat, stressed the crucial role of international organizations in mediating regional conflicts and addressing the “Asian Paradox” in East Asia.
A highlight of the YNEAN Forum was the Diplomatic Round Table moderated by Political Science and International Studies (PSIS) Professor Choi Jong-kun; this discussion, whose topic was “European Perspectives on Regional Cooperation: Lessons for Northeast Asia’s Future,” featured Irish Ambassador to Korea Aingeal O’Donoghue and Joon Grane Hetland, first secretary at the Norwegian Embassy in Seoul. Focusing on Europe’s experiences with nationalism, regional cooperation, and economic growth, the discussants gave students a number of new perspectives with which to approach difficult issues currently impacting Northeast Asia. A vigorous question and answer session concluded the Round Table; both Ambassador O’Donoghue and Mr. Hetland commented on the enthusiasm of the student participants and the intelligence of their questions.
According to the president of the organizing committee, PSIS student Jeong Su-bin: “It was a great experience to be able to share opinions with other students and understand differences with an eye towards the future.” He added that Yonsei’s support for YNEAN and the enthusiasm of the participants made the forum a great success and enhanced its reputation. The YNEAN Forum has been held annually since 2002, contributing to Yonsei’s efforts to establish itself as a global leadership hub. In the past, YNEAN keynote speakers have included late President Kim Dae-jung, SK Honorary President Son Gil-seung, and former National Assembly member Jeong Mong-jun.