First Lady Kim Jung-sook: "International Community Must Strive for Sustainable Coexistence of Nature and People"

Emphasis on Spouses Program at G20
Participation of 2nd and 3rd Generation Koreans in Rome in History Classes

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jung-sook, the First Lady of South Korea, who is visiting Italy with President Moon Jae-in to attend the G20 summit, shared on the 31st (local time) a consensus with the spouses of G20 leaders that the international community must strive for a sustainable future where nature and people coexist harmoniously.

Attending the spouses' program event held at the Capitoline Museums in Rome, First Lady Kim expressed her respect to Maria Serenella Capello, wife of the Italian Prime Minister, saying, "I admire Italy for preserving Rome's cultural heritage," and added, "Cultural heritage and nature are most beautiful when they remain in their original place."

She then referred to the Italian G20 message from the previous night's dinner, which emphasized that "living in harmony with nature and people is the most important value humanity must collectively pursue," adding, "Protecting nature in response to climate change is an essential value that the international community today must uphold together."

On this day, First Lady Kim carried a handbag made from Korea's traditional paper, 'Hanji.' Introducing the 'Hanji handbag' to Mrs. Bego?a G?mez of Spain, she explained, "Hanji is made from the one-year-old mulberry tree, so it does not cause deforestation. It is an item that does not harm nature for the sake of people."

In response, Mrs. G?mez said, "The bag made from Korean Hanji is very beautiful. It is commendable that young people in Korea are coming up with new ideas to preserve tradition and nature, which is beneficial for the Earth," adding, "Spain is also making efforts to achieve a circular economy."

First Lady Kim asked for understanding from Mrs. Jill Biden of the United States for not being able to join the luncheon together, explaining, "Since Korea and Europe are far apart, I scheduled a visit to the Rome Korean Language School by carving out time. We plan to study UNESCO World Heritage that embodies the values of coexistence between children, nature, and people."

Mrs. Biden replied, "I regret that we could not have a sufficient conversation. I hope to meet you anytime and anywhere."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

After completing the spouses' program, First Lady Kim visited the Rome Korean Language School and participated in a world cultural heritage class with second- and third-generation Korean students.

In the class held under the theme "Comparison of UNESCO Heritage between Korea and Italy," the children compared long-standing traditions of Korea and Italy, such as Korea's kimchi culture and Naples pizza-making methods, Arirang and Sardinian shepherds' song ‘Cantu a Tenore,’ Korea's tidal flats and the ‘Piemonte vineyards,’ Jeju Island haenyeo (female divers) and the ‘Vite ad Alberello’ grape cultivation method of the Pantelleria community.

First Lady Kim actively participated in the class, presenting on Korea's kimchi culture following 10-year-old Josea, her 'one-day partner,' who introduced the 'Naples pizza-making method.' She said, "Kimchi is a food where different ingredients harmoniously blend," and urged, "I hope you all enjoy the flavors of both Korean kimchi and Italian pizza and grow up healthy."

After the class, she encouraged the Korean Language School principal Ahn Young-shin and the teachers, asking them to "serve as a bridge between Korea and Rome."

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