Jared Diamond: "Korea's Successful COVID-19 Response Compared to Other Countries... A Time for 'Constructive Paranoia'"

Professor Paul Krugman: "Overcoming the COVID Economic Crisis by Strengthening the Global Trade Order through International Cooperation"
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hosts 'Future Dialogue for Global Innovation'

Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon is having an online discussion with Jared Diamond, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Guns, Germs, and Steel," on the theme of "Great Social Transformation After COVID-19" at the City Hall Multipurpose Hall on the 4th. This discussion was organized as part of the "CAC Global Summit 2020," an international conference held online without an audience by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 16th that it held the ‘Future Dialogue for Global Innovation’ under the theme ‘Corona Divide: Beyond Boundaries.’

Experts and artists in the fields of culture and society attending the forum analyzed the overall phenomena in the international community, such as deglobalization and intensified hatred and discrimination following the spread of COVID-19, and exchanged opinions on ways to overcome these issues through culture and communication.

At this forum, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha delivered a keynote speech and held a virtual dialogue with Professor Jared Diamond. Renowned domestic and international scholars, including Nobel laureate economist Paul Krugman, Professor Choi Jun-ho of the Korea National University of Arts’ School of Drama, and Professor Hong Sung-soo of Sookmyung Women’s University Law School, discussed various problems faced by the international community due to the COVID-19 crisis and diverse response measures.

Additionally, artists such as violist Richard Yongjae O'Neill, soprano Park Hye-sang, novelist Bernard Werber, and Billboard columnist Jeff Benjamin participated as speakers to discuss the role of culture in recovery and healing during the COVID era.

In his keynote speech, Minister Kang stated, “True healing will only be achieved when the thick psychological barriers built up due to COVID-19 are broken down,” adding, “Shared cultural experiences expand exchanges and empathy among people, help overcome discrimination and hatred, and ultimately contribute to creating a world where diversity is respected.”

He particularly noted, “Even amid the COVID-19 crisis, newly emerging cultural communication efforts such as ‘Bang-guseok Concerts’ presented by artists worldwide and online exhibitions of artworks using VR technology will contribute to healing and preventing the deepened conflicts and divisions caused by COVID-19.”

In response to Minister Kang’s question about whether the concept of constructive paranoia introduced in his book can still be applied today, Professor Jared Diamond answered, “We must be cautious of vague optimism about the end of the COVID phase while vaccine development is not yet complete,” and “Now is the time when ‘constructive paranoia’ is needed.” In , Diamond mentioned that since the risk of slipping in a wet shower or on a ladder is greater than the risk of terrorist attacks or genetically modified foods in daily life, ‘constructive paranoia’ is necessary to be careful.

Professor Diamond especially stated, “Korea has responded more successfully compared to other countries, and mutual trust among citizens and trust in the government have been effective,” adding, “Korean society can develop further if women are given more opportunities to play greater roles.”

Following this, Professor Paul Krugman emphasized that the economic recession caused by COVID-19 could deepen global economic polarization, and that it must be overcome by strengthening the world trade order through international cooperation. He advised that if major world economies agree to support the funding and manpower necessary for the global distribution of vaccines, it would greatly help the recovery of world trade and the alleviation of polarization.

Novelist Bernard Werber also attended the forum and shared his experience of having contracted COVID-19. He emphasized the need for humanity to pause and reflect during the COVID crisis and stated that it is necessary to reduce many familiar activities such as ‘consumption.’

Going forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to regularize the ‘Future Dialogue for Global Innovation’ to take a leading role in forming international discourse on cultural and social issues faced by the international community and contribute to global efforts by presenting alternatives from a cultural perspective.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.