Unification Ministry Holds the Global Korea Forum 2026
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Formulating a New Vision for the Policy of Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula
Unification Ministry Holds the Global Korea Forum 2026 (August 27—28)
[Related National Agenda] 117. Implementation of the Peace and Unification Policy on the Korean Peninsula with the Public
The Ministry of Unification hosted the Global Korea Forum (GKF) 2026 over two days from August 27 to 28.
Under the overarching theme “A New Paradigm for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula Amid a Transforming International Order,” this year’s forum sought concrete and actionable solutions to formulate the Korean government’s roadmap for advancing its peaceful coexistence policy.
On August 27, Professor Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs, and Steel, delivered the keynote address titled “National Choice: From Division to Peaceful Coexistence.” Drawing on historical insights from various nations worldwide, he shared key implications for achieving peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.
Following the keynote, Session 1 brought together prominent experts from the ROK, the U.S., China, Japan, and Russia to discuss “Changes in North Korea, the United States, and the Global Order: Prospects and Challenges for Peaceful Coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.”
Across the two days, experts from home and abroad engaged in multifaceted discussions on various thematic topics, including new approaches to building a peace regime and resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, reconfiguring peaceful coexistence models and implementation strategies, as well as “The Future of the Korean Peninsula: AI, Climate Change, and Technology.”
In his opening remarks, Minister of Unification Chung Dong Young noted, “In his Liberation Day address this year, President Lee Jae Myung presented a ‘Three-Pillar Blueprint’ for translating peaceful coexistence into action on the Korean Peninsula.” He added, “To implement responsible peaceful coexistence, the President stated his commitment to embarking on a journey to end the war and transition the fragile armistice system into a permanent peace regime.”
Minister Chung continued, “As the very first step on this journey, he proposed initiating discussions among the parties directly concerned to bring an end to this long-standing war.”
He also observed, “Another epochal shift is underway. I interpret this not as a crisis, but as an opening window of opportunity.” He stressed, “Above all, we must serve as a pacemaker to bring about U.S.–North Korea dialogue. Serving as a pacemaker means stepping forward to open the path. Rather than sitting idly while monitoring Washington’s moves, we must act proactively and dynamically to create space and facilitate dialogue between the United States and North Korea.”
Furthermore, Minister Chung emphasized, “Through the proactive and sustained peace and trust-building measures outlined by the President, we must foster conditions for U.S.–North Korea dialogue and four-party talks, while formulating concrete measures at the pan-governmental level to discuss a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.”
“A peace regime starting from the Korean Peninsula will serve as a new pathway for peace to spread beyond the region to the rest of the world,” he remarked, adding, “It will be a way to end the unfinished war on the Korean Peninsula and ultimately move toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.”
Minister Chung concluded by stating, “With time once again turning in favor of the Korean Peninsula, the government is drawing up a blueprint for the transition to a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Solidarity and cooperation among all nations that desire peace and stability are essential. We need the support and encouragement of global scholars who can gather the world’s aspirations for peace on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia to create the driving force for a peace regime.”
The Ministry of Unification expressed its gratitude to all participants, reaffirming its commitment to listening attentively to diverse voices while proactively, dynamically, and steadfastly forging the path toward peaceful coexistence on the Korean Peninsula.
