Representing the family of nations, the United Nations has the mandate to assist in developing, “friendly relations among nations based on respect for the principle of equal rights and self-determination of peoples“ (UN Charter, Ch. 1 A1.2).
Korea has been divided since the 2nd World War, and remains without a formal peace agreement. Families have been separated for over 70 years, left not knowing the condition of loved ones. This unsolved tragedy, while very much an internal affair of the Koreas, needs the attention of the international community.
The session aims to provide resources and good practices for de-escalation of tensions through disarmament and trust building strategies. Speakers will look at the destabilizing effect of the nuclear issue and provide alternative tools for mediation and reconciliation. Finally, a proposal for a UN sponsored peace / development project at the DMZ border will provide a vision for stability on the Peninsula and the whole region.