Peace conference discusses global challenges, stability on Korean Peninsula

ISTANBUL

Nearly 4,000 participants from 60 countries gathered Wednesday on South Korea’s Jeju Island to discuss peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, among other global challenges, at the 20th Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, Yonhap News reported.

The Korean Peninsula, divided since the 1950s, has seen rising tensions in recent years, particularly under the administration of former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. During his term, Seoul strengthened defense and diplomatic ties with Japan and the US, which maintains more than 28,500 troops in South Korea.

The three-day forum, held under the theme "Innovation for Peace and Prosperity," will address a wide range of global issues, including the US-China rivalry, the war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula.

Climate change and the global technological race are also on the agenda.

South Korea’s acting President Lee Ju-ho is set to deliver the keynote address. Other notable speakers include former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo, and Wamkele Mene, secretary-general of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The conference will also feature discussions on South Korea-Japan relations, ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.