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Jeju was designated as an ‘“Island of World Peace” by the South Korean government on 27 January 2005. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Despite its yearning for peace and pride in ecological abundance, however, this island is still haunted by the past memory of massacre during the Cold War.
The devastation of nature is also a huge challenge. Jeju was the purposely selected location at which young people could gather with a focus on climate justice and peace.
The assembly was hosted by the National Council of University YMCAs of Korea, and the National Council of YMCAs of Korea as an incubating space of ecumenical formation for 60 youth from 12 countries.
The assembly theme, based on Mark 1:10, reflects the slogan of the Vision Statement for the 110th Anniversary of the National Council of YMCAs of Korea, which celebrates its 110th anniversary this year. The Korea YMCA has the oldest history in the Korean Civil society movement.
Rev. Dr Hyunju Bae, vice moderator of the World Council of Churches Commission on Climate Justice and Sustainable Development, delivered a keynote speech on “Youth Leadership for Great Transformation.” She explained the characteristics of ecumenical identity and spirituality, and the global need for a paradigm shift for sustainability. She introduced WCC’s contribution to the concept of “sustainability” for the future of humankind in the context of the conversation between faith and science in the 1970s.
She highlighted WCC’s appeal for a global ecological metanoia, and stressed the significance of youth leaders as co-creators of the future.
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