Congratulatory message from the prime minister of Korea on hosting the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs

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Last Updated (Tuesday, 03 May 2022 18:19)

Congratulatory message from the prime minister of Korea on hosting the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs

 

By Kim Boo-Kyum,
Prime Minister, South Korea


Congratulations on hosting the office of the Asia and Pacific Alliance of YMCAs (APAY) in Jeju Island.

It is even more meaningful as it is the largest network of civil society organizations in the Asia and Pacific region and the first time in Korea to host the office of the international alliance of civil organizations.

This splendid accomplishment is the result of recognition of our changed status and mature democracy in the international community achieved by our civil society together.

The candidate site was selected after careful screening, such as the level of democracy, sustainability of the hosting organization, and many more. In particular, Korea received high evaluations in the fields of democracy index and freedom of the press.

The office of the APAY is the largest quasi-governmental organization in Asia and Pacific with 24 countries and 1,680 cities connected, actively engaged in campaigns for environmental issues, disaster management, human rights, and the development of democracy.

I believe that this hosting will greatly help our civil society to leap into international leaders leading cooperation and coexistence, and to expand their international diplomatic capabilities.

The government will meticulously take care of necessary matters such as relocating the office, establishing an the (Korea YMCA) International Ecology and Peace Center, and supporting educational programs so that the APAY can quickly establish a nest on Jeju Island, the ‘Island of Peace’.

As a person who has been involved in the civil movement and democratization movement for a long time, I am also very happy with the achievement.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude and congratulations to the Korea YMCA staff who worked hard for this success, as well as to officials of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and the Prime Minister's Office.