1. Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se hosted a welcome luncheon for high-level representatives of each country, heads of international organizations, and other key figures attending the World Education Forum 2015 in Songdo, Incheon, on May 19.

o The luncheon brought together about 100 people, including UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova and former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard (Board Chair of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE)).

2. In his luncheon remarks, Minister Yun stressed that it is education that empowers people, allows societies to develop, and can create a peaceful world. He said that the World Education Forum 2015 is a very significant event, which will review the achievements, both of the "Education for All” campaign, launched back in 1990, and the education components of the Millennium Development Goals, adopted in 2000. He added that the Forum will also shape the global education agenda for the coming 15 years.

3. Introducing the overall goals of the World Education Forum, namely “universal and equitable education for all, and a guarantee for lifelong learning opportunities,” Minister Yun presented three ways to achieve the goals: universal access to education, education for girls and women’s empowerment, and education to nurture global citizens who are aware of universal human values, and are embedded with a sense of global community and social responsibility.

o Minister Yun also expressed willingness to contribute to meeting the goals of the Forum by sharing the ROK's experience of education-driven development with the international community.


*unofficial translation