President Lee: "Hoping for a New Milestone in World Heritage Protection and International Cooperation"…UNESCO World Heritage Committee Opens in Busan

Attendance at the Opening Ceremony of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan
Highlighting the Significance of the 150th Anniversary of Baekbeom Kim Koo's Birth
"Dialogue Through Culture Is Essential in Times of Conflict"
"From an Aid

On July 19, President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the role of culture as "a gentle yet most powerful force that transcends any language and borders, enabling mutual understanding and empathy," highlighting the importance of solidarity within the international community and building peace through the preservation of world heritage.

President Lee Jae-myung is delivering a congratulatory speech at the opening ceremony of the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Busan on July 19, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

Delivering his congratulatory address at the opening ceremony of the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan on the same day, President Lee stated, "The value of dialogue through culture becomes even more precious in times marked by conflict and division," underscoring his point.

President Lee stressed that world heritage should not be seen as mere relics of the past that need preservation, but as a "foundation for peace and cooperation" connecting nations, generations, and civilizations. He said, "World heritage symbolizes the unity of humanity, transcending borders and generations. By remembering and preserving world heritage together, we can foster mutual respect for each other's histories, deepen trust, and further strengthen the solidarity of the global human community."

He particularly highlighted that this year marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Baekbeom Kim Koo, as designated by UNESCO, to draw attention to Korea's role as a cultural powerhouse. President Lee said, "Decades ago, Baekbeom Kim Koo dreamed of a nation that would contribute to humanity with cultural strength more than mere national prosperity." He continued, "The spirit of the UNESCO Charter, which calls for 'building the defenses of peace in the minds of people,' perfectly aligns with Kim Koo's vision of achieving peace through culture and leading humankind toward harmony."

He added, "It is hardly a coincidence that the UNESCO World Heritage Committee is being held in Korea in the very year that marks the 150th anniversary of Baekbeom Kim Koo's birth. Korea has now emerged as a brilliant cultural powerhouse whose stories move the world to both laughter and tears."

President Lee also pointed out that Korea has grown from a nation receiving aid from the international community to one that provides aid and shares cultural values globally. He remarked, "Korea has achieved both economic growth and a mature democracy, grounded in international cooperation and solidarity. Korea's journey from an aid recipient to an aid provider, and now to a nation sharing the value of culture with the world, is a success story of humanity collectively forged through cooperation and solidarity."

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung are applauding after a cultural performance at the opening ceremony of the 48th UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Busan on the 19th. From left to right: Heo Min, Director of the National Heritage Agency; First Lady Kim Hye-kyung; President Lee Jae-myung; Khaled El Enany, UNESCO Director-General; and Lee Byung-hyun, Chair of the 48th World Heritage Committee. July 19, 2026, Yonhap News Agency.

Regarding the host city, Busan, President Lee described it as a symbol of modern Korean history, where war, international aid, industrialization, and the rise to a cultural city are all embodied. He said, "During the Korean War, Busan became the provisional capital, shouldering the fate of the nation. As a gateway for international aid, it laid the foundation for national growth and prosperity, supported by helping hands from around the world." He added, "Busan stands as living proof of how international cooperation can change the destiny of a city and a country." He further remarked, "The fact that the World Heritage Committee, where the international community gathers to protect and pass down humanity's precious heritage, is being held in Busan—with its remarkable history—might well be a matter of destiny."

In closing, President Lee said, "Building on our powerful cultural assets, we will continue Kim Koo's legacy by striving to protect humanity's invaluable heritage together and contribute to global peace and prosperity. I hope this conference will become a new milestone for world heritage protection and international cooperation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.