On the afternoon of October 22, President Yoon attended the 27th IAVE 2024 Busan World Volunteer Congress in Busan, South Korea, to encourage more than 800 volunteers from more than 90 countries around the world and congratulate them on the hosting of the Congress.

The World Volunteer Congress is the only international convention in the field of volunteering organized by the International Association of Volunteers (IAVE) and has been held every two years since 1970 in Los Angeles, USA. South Korea's successful bid comes 22 years after the 2002 Seoul edition, and it is also the first time a South Korean president has attended the World Volunteer Congress since President Kim Dae-joong in 2002.

The International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) is a leading international non-governmental organization (NGO) that develops global volunteer leaders, with individual and collective members in 125 countries around the world, and is responsible for organizing the World Volunteer Games and advising the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Today's event was organized under the theme of 'The Power of Humanity, Creating a Sustainable Future through Volunteerism' to bring together volunteers from around the world who have demonstrated their dedication and love to share innovative practices, learn from and support each other.

In his congratulatory remarks, the President said that Busan is the perfect place to see the power of good solidarity. He explained that 70 years ago, Busan was a city of refugees, but the city overcame the scars of war by helping, sharing, and caring for each other. In particular, he emphasized that the dedication of volunteers and relief supplies from around the world that came in through Busan Port helped Korea rise again in the face of adversity. Furthermore, the President said that Busan and the Republic of Korea are living proof of how miracles can happen when people with good intentions help each other.

Next, the President emphasized the power of solidarity. The President said that humanity is facing new and unprecedented challenges, and that we need the power of solidarity to defend human freedom and prosperity. To do this, he said, it is important for free citizens to demonstrate a spirit of charity and solidarity for their neighbors and communities, and volunteering is the answer.

The President also pledged that Korea will lead the way in building a better world through volunteerism. Introducing Korea's culture of hospitality and kimchi, which has been designated as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage of Humanity, the President said that even during disasters such as heavy rains and earthquakes, countless volunteers in Korea have rushed to repair damage and help victims. The President emphasized that if this power of solidarity is spread more widely, human life will become brighter and warmer.

Furthermore, the government of the Republic of Korea is striving to deepen the roots of volunteerism in our society and promised to provide strong support for the further spread of the volunteer culture. The President also said that the country will further increase its helping hand to the international community, noting that the government has significantly increased its ODA budget since its inauguration and will play a leading role in bridging the development gap, climate gap, and digital divide between countries.

The event began with an opening performance by Media North Korea, followed by opening remarks by IAVE Vice President Matt Clausen and a welcome speech by Co-Organizer Park Hyung-joon (Mayor of Busan). After the President's congratulatory remarks, he joined the guests to celebrate the start of the competition by energetically pressing the button that signaled the start of the competition.

The event was attended by more than 800 domestic and international volunteers, including IAVE Vice President Matt Clausen, IAVE executives, and Busan World Volunteer Games Co-Organizing Committee Chairman Hyungjun Park. Representatives from related organizations included Tapia Camaruko, Head of Volunteer Advisory Services at the UN Volunteer Corps, Minister of Public Administration and Security Lee Sang-min, and Civil Society Chief Jeon Kwang-sam from the Office of the President.

[News Source: The Office of the President].