Honourable Mr. OH Young Hun, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Governor of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Representative from ROK Government, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished Participants,
Good morning. Let me begin by expressing my sincere thanks to Governor Oh and the Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity for the kind invitation to join you today.
It is my distinct honour and privilege to extend warm congratulations on the occasion of the 20th edition of the Jeju Forum. Over the years, this Forum has truly distinguished itself as a vital platform for global dialogue, bringing together diverse voices in pursuit of a shared vision of peace, mutual understanding, and inclusive development.
The theme for this year's Forum, "Harnessing Innovation for Peace and Shared Prosperity," resonates deeply with the aspirations and endeavours of people everywhere, including on the African continent. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and complex global challenges, innovation is both an enabler of progress and a catalyst for transformative change. It is through innovation - in technology, policy, diplomacy, and social systems - that we can address pressing issues, bridge divides, and build inclusive and sustainable development.
Across Africa, there is growing momentum to leverage innovation as a driver of regional integration, industrialisation, and economic resilience. The AfCFTA, as a flagship initiative of Agenda 2063, reflects a clear and strategic commitment to placing innovation, cooperation, and shared prosperity at the heart of Africa’s development agenda. It is specifically designed to unlock the continent’s potential by advancing trade facilitation, accelerating digital transformation, and strengthening regional value chains, thereby fostering resilience, generating jobs, and laying the foundation for a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous Africa.
Importantly, a thriving and self-reliant Africa is not only critical for the continent itself, it is vital for the stability and sustainability of the global economy. Africa’s demographic dynamism, resource endowments, and growing consumer base represent an engine of future global demand, innovation, and investment. Supporting Africa’s prosperity is, therefore, an investment in a more balanced, resilient, and interconnected global future, not only an act of solidarity.
While innovation offers promising pathways for progress, we must also confront the global realities that threaten to undermine peace, prosperity, and cooperation. In today’s interconnected world, rising trade tensions, disruptions to global supply chains, and widening geopolitical divisions are testing the resilience of the very frameworks that have long underpinned international stability. These pressures risk extending into critical areas such as technology and security, with far-reaching consequences for all regions.
At the same time, persistent challenges, ranging from climate change and food insecurity to the digital divide, underscore the urgent need for inclusive, coordinated, and forward-looking multilateral responses. In this context, the Jeju Forum’s focus on fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared solutions is particularly valuable and indeed essential.
For Africa, today’s global challenges also present enormous opportunities - to accelerate industrialisation, deepen regional cooperation, and build a more resilient, self-reliant continent. With a young, dynamic population and a deepening commitment to regional integration, Africa is shaping its own future through bold, forward-looking strategies. Our partnerships, especially with countries like the Republic of Korea, can play a transformative role in unlocking the continent’s full potential.
It is within this shared context that the partnership between Africa and the Republic of Korea continues to grow. I had the pleasure of visiting Seoul last June for the Korea–Africa Summit, and today, I am honoured to participate in the Jeju Forum for the first time. These engagements reflect our shared interest in deeper cooperation, based on innovation, economic opportunity, and sustainable development.
As we look ahead to the future, it is clear that no region can navigate the ongoing global challenges alone. We need more collaboration, not less; more innovation rooted in shared values, and more inclusive dialogue across continents and sectors. Africa stands ready to engage, contribute, and lead where appropriate, and we view our partnership with the Republic of Korea as an important pillar in that global effort.
Let us harness this moment - through innovation, cooperation, and mutual respect - to collectively pursue peace and shared prosperity, building a future defined by solidarity and opportunity, free from fragmentation and uncertainty.
In closing, I commend the organisers for their unwavering commitment to the Jeju Forum. This platform remains crucial for promoting understanding, shaping solutions, and building the partnerships our world so urgently needs. I wish you all fruitful deliberations and lasting outcomes from this important gathering.
Congratulations once again on this momentous occasion.
Thank you.
