The Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the Seoul Diplomacy Forum 2026 under the theme “Global Governance in a Changing International Order” on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 10:00 to 17:10 at the Grand Conference Hall (1F) of the Korea National Diplomatic Academy.

In his opening remarks, KNDA Chancellor KIM Heungkyu underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational challenges despite geopolitical crises and outlined the Lee Jae Myung administration’s pragmatic diplomacy based on Korea’s national interest, with a focus on peace, cooperation, and shared prosperity. Chancellor Kim further emphasized that, as Korea has benefited from an open and stable international order, it will actively contribute to international cooperation in pursuit of a sustainable future grounded in shared values and principles. He also expressed hope that the forum would generate practical policy ideas for strengthening cooperation among countries, rebuilding trust, and finding common ground.

In his keynote address, H.E. CHO Hyun, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, described the current international landscape as marked by uncertainty, unpredictability, and complexity, and underscored the important role that countries with greater capabilities, including Korea, can play in addressing global challenges.

He further explained that the Korean government’s pragmatic diplomacy rests on three mutually reinforcing pillars: alliance, self-reliance, and solidarity. He emphasized that the Lee Jae Myung administration’s key principles are to further develop the ROK-U.S. Alliance, the cornerstone of Korea’s security, into a future-oriented comprehensive partnership; strengthen Korea’s own capabilities to contribute more to the Alliance and other partnerships; and build a broad and robust network of cooperation.

Finally, Minister Cho stressed the importance of looking beyond narrowly defined national interests and embracing a broader conception of the national interest in today’s turbulent times, expressing hope that the forum would yield meaningful outcomes.

Session I, titled “Shifts in the International Order and Global Governance,” moderated by LEE Keun-Gwan, member of the UN International Law Commission, focused on the role of middle powers in upholding international norms.

Miguel de SERPA SOARES, former UN Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and U.N. Legal Counsel, identified several challenges facing the current international order, including the fragmentation of international norms, weakened compliance and enforcement of those norms, the erosion of universal multilateral institutions, the selective application of rules by major powers, and growing public skepticism toward the rules-based international order. He suggested that, in response, middle powers should clearly and consistently uphold the principles of the UN Charter, forge flexible coalitions and cooperate on specific issues, increase financial support for multilateral institutions, and work to build a more inclusive international order.

Session II, titled “Strengthening Global Governance through International Cooperation and Solidarity,” moderated by Deputy Minister for Political Affairs CHUNG Euihae Cecilia, focused on exploring ways to promote cooperation in building a rules-based international order.

H.E. Dawn Elizabeth BENNET, Ambassador of New Zealand to the Republic of Korea, noted that Korea could play a role in bringing together relevant stakeholders across economic affairs, technology, and global governance and coordinating collective responses to common challenges.

Thanos DOKOS, Secretary General for National Security and National Security Adviser to the Prime Minister of Greece, expressed hope that Korea, as a middle power in the Asia-Pacific region, would contribute to maritime security, an area where NATO alone cannot fully address the challenges.

Hiroyuki AKITA, commentator at Nikkei Inc., noted that the challenge facing the international community today lies not in the breakdown of international norms, but in the absence of leadership. He further suggested that, over the long term, Korea should help strengthen networks that would support a continued U.S. role.

JO Dong Joon, Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Seoul National University, described Korea as having evolved from a small state facing significant constraints into an advanced middle power deeply reliant on multilateral cooperation. He argued that Korea should design and facilitate partnerships that bring together rules and capabilities, obligations and interests, and leadership and substantive participation.

Session III, titled “The Role of International Law in a Transitional International Order and Korea’s Diplomacy,” moderated by KIM Dok-ju, Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, focused on ways to advance Korea’s diplomacy based on international law.

KWON O-Gon, former Judge of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), stressed the need for Korea to maintain a consistent, principled stance on core values, including universal human rights and the rule of law.

RHEE Zha Hyoung, Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), pointed to international judicial proceedings concerning climate change and the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) as evidence of the effectiveness of international law.

CHUNG Chang-ho, former Judge of the International Criminal Court (ICC), suggested that Korea should emerge as a “norm-shaper” by helping develop norms to address emerging global issues.

SO Byungchun, President of the Korean Society of International Law, emphasized the need for Korea to take a leading role in shaping international norms on human rights, the environment, and peace, as well as on emerging global issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) and space development.

SDF 2026 provided a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm the need for a rules-based international order amid shifts in the international landscape and to explore ways for middle powers, including Korea, to make active contributions. The KNDA will continue its efforts to strengthen dialogue between the government and the public on various occasions, including through academic conferences.