Mongolia Youth Leadership Forum & Adventure Workshop in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
From June 20 through June 25, young leaders from 15 to 30 years of age participated in the Mongolia Youth Leadership Forum & Adventure Workshop in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The event was convened by the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) in partnership with Blue Banner, One Korea Foundation, and Action for Korea United in conjunction with the Mongolia Forum on Northeast Asian Peaceful Development and Korean Unification.
With the theme “Dream and Challenge,” the young attendees participated in various activities designed to empower youth as they become peacebuilders and develop the values and skills needed to develop into our future moral and innovative leaders. Activities included adventure leadership, a Global Peace Leadership Corps interactive workshop and dialogue with high-level experts, culture exploration, Mongolia Forum participation, and Green Service tree planting.
Mongolia Youth Leadership Forum & Adventure Workshop in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The two forums are held concurrently so that the young leaders can engage, learn, and share experiences. They attended sessions of the Mongolia Forum, one of several initiatives designed to promote trust and dialogue in Northeast Asia. The forum brought together key policymakers, including experts, journalists, and civil society leaders, to discuss the region’s “current geopolitical priorities, economic integration opportunities, and regional environmental forestation initiatives.”
Mongolia’s history and its continuing role in achieving sustainable peace in the region were highlighted. A central focus was the strategy to achieve the aspirational goal of unification of the Korean peninsula, which will serve as a catalyst for realizing economic development, peace, and stability in the region—the benefits of which will have a positive global impact.
At first glance, a horseback riding adventure on June 21 would seem unrelated to the Korean Dream of unification. However, the length of the ride was significant as it symbolized the 38th parallel north that separates North Korea and South Korea, thus providing the participants from both forums with an opportunity to collectively reflect on this important topic.
Mongolia Youth Leadership Forum & Adventure Workshop in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
The challenges of climate change in Mongolia were also emphasized, including the importance of collectively combating desertification. Large-scale tree planting and reforestation are key activities undertaken to tackle the impact of climate change. As part of the joint events, the young leaders, policymakers, and Mongolian volunteers planted 35 trees in IC Park on June 23.
It is critical to provide young people with opportunities to grow and learn, as they embark on their journey to become our future moral and innovative leaders. The Mongolia Youth Leadership Forum & Adventure Workshop did just that. The young leaders learned about Mongolia’s unique culture and environment, challenged their physical limits with the horseback riding adventure, engaged with policymakers at the Mongolia Forum parallel track sessions, and participated in the tree-planting initiative.
The event was well-received by the young attendees. When asked, “What did you learn or take away from this trip?” one participant commented, “I realized that I am much stronger than I thought I was, especially the pain and pleasure I felt while riding the horse, which combined makes me stronger.”
