FORUM Ambassadors, biz leaders call for stronger, more equitable society
Argentinian Ambassador to Korea Emiliano Gabriel Waiselfisz, left, and Brazilian Ambassador Márcia Donner Abreu, second from left, speak with Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryung, right, during the VIP session of the Korea Times Forum at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul.
Ambassadors, business executives and government officials gathered in Seoul for the Korea Times Forum, Wednesday, which focused on the critical themes of diversity, inclusiveness and equality. The event, attended by representatives from various nations, emphasized the importance of these values in creating a stronger, more equitable society.
Guatemalan Ambassador to Korea Sara Solis underscored the significance of the forum's focus.
"It's very important to attend to these kinds of activities, especially because of the issues and themes you choose," she said.
"This year, you chose 'Toward diversity, inclusiveness and equality' and for people like me, for women, it's so important to be recognized and to participate in all the areas possible because nowadays, you know, inclusiveness is very important."
Canadian Ambassador to Korea Tamara Mawhinney, left, and Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto listen to panelists as they speak about the importance of gender equality during the Korea Times Forum at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Danish Ambassador to Korea Svend Olling highlighted the broad benefits of embracing these principles.
"Diversity, inclusiveness and equality are important for society on so many levels. It's a basic human right; it is something that will make society more inclusive and happy, and it is something that will be good for our economy," he said.
"In fact, one of the most potent options for our economy lies in diversity and inclusiveness. We should, however, remember that at the forefront of the agenda is, of course, equality between the sexes. We'll also be talking about the LGBTI community, different racial backgrounds and different social statuses."
New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Dawn Elizabeth Bennet, center, listens to panelists as they speak about the importance of gender equality during the Korea Times Forum at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
New Zealand Ambassador to Korea Dawn Elizabeth Bennet emphasized the interconnectedness of the forum's themes.
"I fully agree with the themes of this forum of diversity, inclusivity and equality. I think a stronger society is a diverse society and the way to get to diversity is through inclusivity and equality for everyone."
Reflecting on progress and ongoing challenges, Argentinian Ambassador to Korea Emiliano Gabriel Waiselfisz praised the forum's focus.
"The world has advanced a lot, especially in the past 30, 40 years, towards higher and bigger equality, but there's still a lot to do. It's so important to have The Korea Times including this theme in this year's forum," he said.
SK Supex Council President Lee Hyung-hee, left, and Korea Financial Investment Association Chairman Seo Yoo-seok, center, talk with a Korea Times reporter, during the Korea Times Forum at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Seoul, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
Business leaders from various industries also convened for the Korea Times Forum.
SK Supex Council President Lee Hyung-hee pointed out the need to broaden the conversation beyond gender issues to encompass ethnic diversity, particularly in light of demographic changes.
"The gender issue is still important, but discussions on diversity should also focus on topics related to diverse ethnicity, considering the inflow of migrants from all around the world amid a decline in population," Lee said.
Korea Financial Investment Association Chairman Seo Yoo-seok addressed the evolving landscape of gender representation in the corporate sector.
"Although financial services companies are forced to appoint at least one female director amid the lack of high-ranking female executives in the industry, Korea will see more female bosses as Europe and other developed regions did," Seo said.