Global challenges for humanity
By Matthew Jellick
This past weekend up in Seoul, the University of Southern California (USC) held a global conference, dealing with an array of issues which emanate from the Pacific Rim, specifically as they pertain to both Los Angeles and Seoul.
With speakers from numerous ASEAN countries, along with faculty experts from USC, a variety of topics were discussed, ranging from economics to education, affected by things such as geography and globalization.
Using the relationship between Los Angeles and Seoul as a paradigm of the importance each side of the Pacific plays in our global future, discussions rather than debates, and speeches which segued into symposiums, all went to create a constructive conference whereby ideas were shared, and relationships were forged.
With an incoming freshman class that increases each year in the number of Korean applicants, along with graduate courses which likewise see their numbers rise with students from around the peninsula, it is evident that in regards to global education, the link between USC and Korea is growing.
Similarly, with Los Angeles home to the largest number of Koreans outside of Korea itself, there is ample evidence that economically and culturally, this association between city and country rivals many nation-to-nation alliances. It should be no surprise then that the Global Conference was held in Seoul, which mirrors L.A. in so many respects, both learning from their past, as they shape their future.
Honored at this year's conference were two distinguished USC alumni, who are also luminary Koreans, each of whom have shaped the direction Korea has taken with respect to its political and economic paths.
These notables were Kang Young-hoon, prime minister of Korea from 1988-1990, who holds a Ph.D. (1972) in International Relations from USC, and Cho Yang-ho, CEO of Korean Air, who received his MBA (1979) from USC.
Both Dr. Kang and Dr. Cho are great examples of international alumni applying their practices on a global stage, and in turn going to help develop the political and economic future of their homeland in Korea. Knowledge shared beyond borders, and across political and economic divides is what propels both L.A. and Seoul, bridging the distance across the Pacific.
Having a Los Angeles researched-based university hold its biennial conference in Seoul, is a clear testament to the ongoing relationship between the two cities, and the important role each plays within the educational, economical, governing, and technological sphere of one another.
Educational alignments between USC and a number of Korean universities go to offer all students involved, unparalleled access to global learning. Economic cooperation creates trade opportunities which transcend not only distance, but culture.
Shared governing ideas, fosters an environment in which each side can learn from the other, working cooperatively to create international alliances. Technological sharing benefits both sides as well, working on new and innovative ideas which go to modernize our world.
Originally from Los Angeles, but having been in Korea since 2009, I am grateful for the unique opportunity I have been given to view each culture through eyes which have been fundamentally shaped by both.
While each location is certainly unique in its own identity, there is undoubtedly much that is shared. Apart from the obvious statistics in population and economic growth, there are cultural and social aspects which I feel are the foundations of the shared success on both sides of the Pacific Rim.
It is my hope then that through continued dialogue, as the USC Global Conference offered, the relationship between these two great cities can continue, offering not only each, but rather the entire global world, a way forward.
The writer holds a master’s degree in teaching from USC. He is now teaching in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province. His email address is jellickkorea@gmail.com.