The World Summit 2019 featured an international conference on Peace in the Korean Peninsula jointly sponsored by the Segye Ilbo and the Washington Times newspapers.
In their opening remarks, Segye Ilbo President Jung underlined the role of the media in the Korean unification process, while Washington Times chairman McDevitt recalled a quote from the Founder: “The media should be the conscience of society”.
Hon. Lee Nak Yon, the South Korean Prime Minister, reviewed North-South relations since the 1988 Olympic Games, the Inter-Korean summits and the recent North Korea–US Summit in Singapore. “The South Korean government will steadily and wisely make progress for the Korean Peninsula peace process”, he said.
In his keynote address, Hon. Stephen Harper, Canadian Prime Minister (2006-2015), said: “We have desire for peace in our hearts, interfaith dialogue is essential and the UPF makes a critical contribution for bringing God into the discussion.” But he expressed concern for the North’s nuclear weapons program and said negotiations should be realistic and tough.
Among the international contributors were Amb. Christopher Hill, U.S. ambassador to Korea (2004-2005) and Amb. Joseph R. DeTrani, U.S. envoy to the Six-Party Talks (2005-2006).
Two panels of high-level Korean and international experts discussed possible scenarios for the peace process, including issues of denuclearization, sanction relief, cease fire and peace agreements, diplomatic ties and regional balance of power.