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Visit from Brussels
EU Development Cooperation: Fosters Peace and Inclusivity in Northeast Asia

From 17 to 20 July, Constantin Blaschke, EU project officer from our Brussels office, honoured us. The purpose of his visit was to collaborate on an important project in the framework of EU development cooperation and we were pleased to have a fruitful dialogue on the pressing issues of inclusion and peace in Northeast Asia.

Together, we had the opportunity to meet with our esteemed partners from the Institute for Peace Affairs (IPA). The IPA has successfully developed a novel and cutting-edge approach to unification education for middle schools, incorporating Augmented Reality elements. This innovative program has already been implemented in over 120 schools, making a significant impact on the learning experiences of students. The second version of the project, generously supported by the Hanns Seidel Foundation, includes a dedicated section focused on biodiversity in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the Korean Peninsula. This particular aspect of the program aims to raise awareness about the delicate ecological balance in these regions and foster a sense of environmental responsibility among students. During the visit, we had the pleasure of previewing the new program, and it left us filled with excitement and anticipation for the positive impact it could have on the younger generation's understanding of the environment and cross-border relations. A key highlight of this occasion was the in-depth discussions we had with Sohn Hyeon-Soo and Lee Dong-Hoon of the IPA, who have been instrumental in the program's development, along with Constantin Blaschke from our Brussels office.

 

Beyond the realm of education, another vital aspect of our workshop revolved around fostering peace and reconciliation in Northeast Asia by promoting the inclusion of women and youth. This ongoing initiative has garnered significant attention and support, with valuable inputs provided by our esteemed partners. Dr. Jeong-Ro Kim from the Council for Diplomacy on Korean Unification and Kim Eun-Ju from the Center for Korean Women and Politics graced us with their presence and enriched our discussions with their expert perspectives. The contributions and insights shared during this workshop will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping our future endeavors in Korea. It also reaffirms our commitment to the cause of inclusivity, peace, and sustainable development in Northeast Asia.