As the 21st century unfolded, intellectuals of the world, while admiring past achievements, expressed serious concerns on the global aporia that afflicts us all. Despite the progress of civilization, the global village is far from being free from hunger and disease. Advances in science and technology seem to feed threats of war and terrorism. Amid industrial and post-industrial societies the likelihood of resource depletion, environmental degradation, and climate change are quickly growing concerns. Along with these ecological matters, in this age said to be “post-ideological,” conflicts based on ideology and religion are also afflicting many parts of the globe.
Regarding this ‘global problematique’, the United Nations issued its Millennium Development Goals at the dawn of the new century. In this list, the UN has expressed its renewed and ever increasing will to confront the common troubles we all face today. UNESCO stands at the forefront of dialogue among civilizations. It has shown its determination to circumvent conflicts among nations and powers by bringing about reconciliation between religious and cultural adversaries. Statesmen and scholars are today speaking of new world orders and realignment of international norms. Yet, it seems that ‘the wall of reality’ still stands in the way of a better society and a healthier planet.
The World Civic Forum 2009 calls for the attention of the global society to the ever-glaring aporia facing humanity in the 21st century. It is our hope that the university community and international society will join in the spirit of global consensus and agreement and together search for a better future for humanity and the planet Earth. We also hope to find a better approach to the difficulties with which real life is so dauntingly imbued.
Kyung Hee University is a higher learning institution that has pursued a “New Pathway for Modern Civilization” based on the long-standing traditions of “Academic Excellence” and “Global Eminence.” The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs is an international organization that contributes to socio-economic development and governance of the international community. I am convinced that the World Civic Forum 2009, a collaboration between Kyung Hee and the UN/DESA, will be the forum of dialogue for university and international communities. I also hope that the Forum will embody the ‘global festivity’ in which we celebrate and create change and progress for all of us and our beautiful blue planet in the 21st century.
I wish the very best to all the participating global citizens and partner institutions. |
