¡ã JPI President Moon Tae-young says this year's Forum will broaden its focus. Photo courtesy JPI. |
Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity 2013 will be held May 29-31 at Haevichi Hotel, Pyoseon. The Forum is billed as “one of Asia’s most comprehensive international forums where political, business, cultural and academic leaders gather together in Jeju, “Island of World Peace” to exchange opinions and to discuss ideas of multilateral cooperation for common peace and prosperity in the region.”
The theme for 2013 is “New Waves in Asia” and the event is hosted by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province with the International Peace Foundation, East Asia Foundation and The JoongAng Ilbo.
The Forum is now entering its 12th year and 7th forum (initially being under the Jeju Development Institute). Previously a peace forum, 2013 sees it being held under the ‘prosperity’ banner, broadening to include economics, environment and culture. JPI President Moon Tae-young sees the change as positive:
“The challenges and paradigm of our times are in a state of flux and totally different from the ones when the Forum was first started in 2001. We cannot rely on the frameworks of the past. I think peace issues should be dealt with in a comprehensive way, which includes environmental, gender, economical and cultural aspects,” said Moon.
Waves are inherently in flux and Moon feels the “New Waves in Asia” theme reflects the political realities of 2013.
“The year 2013 can be defined as a year of political transition...We don’t know that the changes in balance of power in the region will bring about changes in the international order of the Asia-Pacific area, as well,” Moon said.
• Business & Economy
• Environment & Sustainability
• Culture
• Community Development
Key speakers include Mahathir Mohamad, former prime minister of Malaysia and Hatoyama Yukio, former prime minister of Japan.
Jeju Weekly editor@jejuweekly.com