1. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se delivered remarks at a “reception celebrating the UN’s 70th anniversary,” hosted by the UN Association of the Republic of Korea at the Plaza Hotel in Seoul on October 23.

o At the reception, a congratulatory video message from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and a video on the UN’s 70th anniversary were shown, the Diplomatic Choir of Seoul presented performances, and a photo exhibition was held to mark 70 years of relationship between the UN and the ROK.

o The reception brought together some 300 people, including foreign diplomats in the ROK, representatives from international organizations, members of the National Assembly, and people from academia, NGOs and the media.

2. In his remarks, Minister Yun stressed the special relationship between the ROK and the UN, which has lasted over the past 70 years since the creation of the UN, and explained the outcome of President Park Geun-hye’s participation in the 70th session of the UN General Assembly in September. He also expressed the willingness of the ROK, as a recipient-turned-donor country, to contribute in a way that befits the country’s stature.

o Minister Yun emphasized that Korea’s journey since its liberation and division 70 years ago has been closely intertwined with the UN’s trajectory for international peace and security, development and human rights.

o Minister Yun explained that on the occasion of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly, President Park attended several summit-level meetings and events, and presented the ROK’s specific plan of contribution in various areas of education, the Saemaul Undong, climate change, and peacekeeping, among others.

- The ROK’s “Better Life for Girls” initiative will provide 200 million US Dollars to 15 countries over the next five years.
- For peacekeeping, the ROK will deploy an additional engineering unit and provide hospital equipment.
- The ROK will work closely together with the international community for the success of the upcoming Paris conference on climate change (COP21).

o Minister Yun stressed that now, more than ever, the world needs the UN as the center for renewed multilateralism, to meet the daunting challenges.

o Minister Yun said that Korea’s unique experiences of overcoming colonial occupation, internecine war and poverty, can be used for the benefit of humanity, and expressed the ROK’s willingness to contribute further to the international community.


*unofficial translation