ASEAN Week 2024: Marking a New Milestone in ASEAN-Korea Relations

ASEAN Week 2024: Marking a New Milestone in ASEAN-Korea Relations

-Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of ASEAN-Korea Dialogue Relations, the Elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and the 15th Anniversary of the ASEAN-Korea Centre-

The ASEAN-Korea Centre (Secretary General Kim Jae-shin) is set to host ASEAN Week 2024 from November 5 to 8, with events unfolding in both Seoul and Jeju. ASEAN Week, one of the flagship programs of the ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC), will expand this year to celebrate three key milestones: the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Korea relations, its elevationto a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), and the 15th anniversary of the AKC's establishment. Featured programs include the "International Conference on ASEAN-Korea Partnership 2024," the "Unveiling Ceremony of Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle," the "Launching Seminar of the Korean ESG Guidebook," and the "ASEAN-Korea Youth Summit." Theseprograms will honor ASEAN-Korea relations and explore future directions across politics, economy, society, culture, tourism and youth engagement.

The "International Conference on ASEAN-Korea Partnership 2024," scheduled for November 7, will convene high-level representatives from the ASEAN and Korean governments, the ASEAN Secretariat, andkey figures from international organizations, think tanks, academia, and media. The Conference aims to foster ASEAN-Korea relations by providing a platform to reflect on 35 years of multifaceted collaboration in politics and security, economy, and socio-cultural spectrum, and to chart a blueprint for the post-CSP ASEAN-Korea partnership.

On November 8, the "Unveiling Ceremony of Jeju Olle Trail 8Route : ASEAN-Korea Olle" will be held near the AKC's Jeju ASEAN Hall in the Jeju International Peace Center. The entire 20km stretch of the Jeju Olle Trail Route 8 will be officially named as "Jeju Olle Trail 8 Route: ASEAN-Korea Olle." Distinguished attendees will include the Secretary General of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, Kim Jae-shin; Governor of Jeju, Oh Young-hun; the founding CEO and Chairperson of Jeju Olle Foundation, Suh Myung Sook; as well as the Ambassadors of the 10 ASEAN countries to Korea. The Trail aims to introduce Korea's natural tourism resources to ASEAN, and ASEAN countries to Koreans.

On November 5, prior to these events, the "Launching Seminar of the Korean ESG Guidebook" will take place at Maehwa Hall, Press Center, Seoul. ESG stakeholders from both the private and public sectors will gather to celebrate the release of the Korean edition of the ESG Guidebook for ASEAN and Korea. The new edition, launched this year, is a translated publication of last year's English ESG Guidebook, developed with expert review by SK C&C. Invited panel speakers will share insights from the guidebook and discuss current ESG trends and best practices in ASEAN and Korea.

Furthermore, on November 5, the ASEAN-Korea Youth Summit will convene 53 youth delegates from ASEAN and Korea with the objective of drafting a Chairman's Statement on enhancing ASEAN-Korea relations from a youth perspective. At a preliminary meeting held at the AKC on October 18, delegates participated in thematic discussions on three key topics: 1) Education Cooperation for Youth Empowerment, 2) Digital Transformation for Inclusive Growth, and 3) Climate Cooperation for Sustainable Development. The Summit is expected to serve as a vital platform for youth networking, raising awareness of ASEAN-Korea relations, and amplifying youth voices in shaping the future partnership.

Since its launch in 2019, ASEAN Week has established itself as one of the flagship programs of the AKC, playing an essential role in raising public awareness and strengthening the ASEAN-Korea partnership.