Over the past 13 years, the World Human Rights Cities Forum (WHRCF) has established itself as a platform for local governments to engage in discussions about the protection and promotion of human rights. With UN bodies such as the UN Human Rights and UNESCO joining as co-hosts in 2020, the forum has expanded its focus to encompass the global human rights agenda. In June, the Gwangju delegation consisting of WHRCF Director Mr. KIM Taehyeong, Gwangju International Center Director Mr. SHIN Gyonggu, and Gwangju Metropolitan City officials went on a 10-day overseas business trip to Europe, visiting UNESCO headquarters in Paris, UN Human Rights in Geneva, and Vienna, a renowned human rights city. The purpose of the trip was to strengthen ties, extend invitations to this year’s forum, and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation. Reflecting on the successful business trip, Mr. KIM Taeheyong, a member of the delegation, shared with you his impressions.

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After flying for over 22 hours, we arrived in Paris, where our first destination, UNESCO headquarters, is located. First, we met with the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Korea to UNESCO. In the meeting, we discussed the ongoing collaboration between WHRCF and UNESCO and sought their active support. 

Next, we had a meeting with Ms. Angela Melo, the Director of the Division for Research, Ethics, and Inclusion. We extended a formal invitation and presented a gift to encourage the UNESCO Director-General's participation in this year's forum. Following the discussion regarding the forum, we explored ways to foster deeper engagement with the International Coalition of Inclusive and Sustainable Cities (ICCAR), where Gwangju is engaged as the lead city of the Asia Pacific Coalition of Cities Against Discrimination (APCAD). UNESCO expressed interest in Gwangju's active participation in ICCAR, and both parties promised to explore concrete ways to collaborate within the network. Additionally, we had the opportunity to explore the Latin America and Caribbean Week event, where we enjoyed various artworks showcased in different national booths along the hallway.

The next day, we flew to Geneva and visited the Permanent Delegation of the Republic of Korea to Geneva. During our meeting, we provided them with an overview of the forum and our collaboration with UN Human Rights, seeking further support. They emphasized the UN Human Rights Council's recognition of the vital role played by local governments in protecting and promoting human rights, and they expressed their expectation of Gwangju's leadership in this regard. Additionally, they invited Gwangju to attend an expert meeting scheduled for August.

Our final destination was Vienna, Austria, a representative human rights city. We met with the Vienna Human Rights Office, a valued partner since the beginning of WHRCF, and formally extended an invitation to the Mayor of Vienna to attend this year's forum. Vienna City officials reciprocated by officially inviting the Mayor of Gwangju to an event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration, scheduled for December. Both cities explored ways to continue exchanges and cooperation, with a shared commitment to further advance human rights at the local level.

Overall, we have come to realize that international organizations are interested in expanding cooperation projects with Gwangju City, recognizing the city's significant role in promoting the agenda of local governments and human rights. In this regard, we reaffirmed that the WHRCF played a critical role in showcasing Gwangju's importance and value as a human rights city on the global stage. With the momentum and achievements we have accomplished so far, we are committed to further expanding the forum by fostering more international partnerships and broadening its reach.

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