[Asia Special Interview] International Solidarity on Gender Equality Issues... Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to Host International Conference in September

November Korea-ASEAN Youth Summit Held

Minister of Gender Equality and Family Lee Jung-ok. / Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] Minister of Gender Equality and Family Lee Jung-ok seeks ways to advance equality discussions beyond domestic boundaries through international solidarity. In this spirit, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family plans to hold an international conference this September to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the 20th anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. In February, a 'UN Security Council Resolution 1325 Promotion Task Force' was also formed, led by the Policy Planning Officer.

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted at the 4th World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995. Representatives from 189 countries participated, aiming to promote gender equality and empower women at national, regional, and international levels. Security Council Resolution 1325 focuses on eradicating sexual violence against women in conflict zones and expanding women's participation in conflict resolution processes. South Korea is currently implementing the second National Action Plan for the resolution (2018-2020). Minister Lee explained, "We will review the achievements of the gender equality agenda over the past 25 years and create an opportunity to explore the roles our country should undertake both domestically and internationally in line with changing times."

In November, the 'Korea-ASEAN Youth Summit,' involving youth from Korea and the 10 ASEAN countries, will also be held. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family plans to institutionalize this event as an international regular event starting this year. Minister Lee stated, "There is a growing global demand for the development of gender equality policies, making gender equality an important value alliance agenda in the new diplomatic flow. Considering the role the international community expects from our country, we must strive to contribute to strengthening solidarity and cooperation through the activation of public diplomacy in the field of gender equality."

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