UN Nelson Mandela International Day Commemorative Lecture

UN Nelson Mandela International Day
Commemorative Lecture
10:00 a.m., 18 July 2013 (Thu)
Grand Peace Hall, Kyung Hee University
Organized by
Kyung
Hee University^Kyung Hee Cyber University
South African Embassy, Seoul
Sponsored by
POSCO
UN Nelson Mandela International Day
Commemorative Lecture
Introduction
We are here today to honor the memory of one individual.
Madiba Nelson Mandela was a great spirit who turned a miracle only dreamed of into a vibrant reality and embraced hatred and vengeance with love and reconciliation. People call
him “Madiba” which means respect in the native tongue of his Xhosa tribe.
Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 in the small village of Umtatu in South Africa. Born an
ordinary boy of the Xhosa tribe, he would become a world leader dedicated to the eradication of apartheid, a system of racial segregation enforced through legislation. Mandela believed in the universal human right to freedom and equality regardless of race and ideology,
and devoted his life to promoting human rights against the oppressive system of apartheid.
However, his sacrifice in this struggle was beyond imagination. While enduring 27 years of
imprisonment in the brutal Robben Island Prison where he was completely denied his basic
human dignity, he refused to give up. Left alone in a prison of darkness, he recited poems of
hope instead of despairing.
“I thank whatever gods may be / For my unconquerable soul… / I am the master of my fate: /
I am the captain of my soul.”
Even after he was released from prison, Mandela continued to support the Anti-Apartheid
Movement as an advocate of reconciliation, not revenge. Upon the abolishment of apartheid,
he was elected as South Africa’s first black president in the country’s first all-race elections.
He created prosperity in the midst of poverty, found progress within despair, and embraced
a politics of not anger but reconciliation. Putting aside all hatred in the spirit of reconciliation
and tolerance, he paved the way to a world of unity.
In recognition of his exceptional life and spirit, the United Nations proclaimed Mandela’s
birthday, July 18, as “Nelson Mandela International Day.” Sharing in his dreams and vision,
Kyung Hee University and the South African Embassy in Seoul have joined hands for a festival of peace and unity. At a time when hatred and anger seem to permeate all corners of
the globe, we seek to share the stories of forgiveness and reconciliation written by Mandela
and to celebrate the birth of a new civilization of love and hope.
UN Nelson Mandela International Day
Commemorative Lecture
Special Lecture
Nelson Mandela: Apostle of Reconciliation and Peace
In 2009, the United Nations officially declared July 18th, the birthday of former South African President Nelson Mandela, as the “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition of
his lifetime of dedication to peacemaking.
Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years while championing the abolishment of apartheid, a
system of racial segregation. He overcame discouragement and adversity with an unwavering belief in democracy, freedom, and human rights. By forgiving his oppressors and those
who threatened his life, Mandela brought peace to his home country. Once a guerrilla fighter, today a saint, Nelson Mandela is recognized as the greatest leader of our age.
Sung-Jae Kim
Chair-Professor of Yonsei University, Chairman of Kyung-In Broadcasting
and Former Minister of Culture & Tourism
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UN Nelson Mandela International Day Commemorative Lecture
Moderator Byong-Jin Ahn
Vice President of Kyung Hee Cyber University
10:00~12:30
Opening
Moderator
Welcoming Remarks
Inwon Choue President of Kyung Hee University
Congratulatory Remarks
Hilton Anthony Dennis Ambassador of South Africa
Video Screening
Commemorative Video
Special Lecture
ormer Minister of Culture & Tourism and
Sung-Jae Kim F
Chair-Professor of Yonsei University
Commemorative Concert
Vocal Performance: Hyoung-Kyoo Kang and student chorus
Piano Trio
Peace Greeting
Handshake and Hug of Peace
Reception
3rd Floor, Grand Peace Hall
Forum on Korea-Africa Exchange and Cooperation:
Future of Africa – Integration and Cooperation
Moderator Kyung-Lae Lee
Director of Center for African Studies
13:00~17:00
Greeting
Jin-Young Chung Vice President of External Affairs
Mandela and South Africa in the
Post-Apartheid Era
Sang-Hyun Seo Researcher, POSCO Research Institute
Jae-Myung Yoo Professor, Kyung Hee University
Pan-Africanism: Mandela and Diop
Kyu-Hyun Park Researcher, Kyung Hee University Africa Institute
Kyung-Rang Kim Professor, Seoul National University
The Future of Korea-Africa
Economic Exchange
Young-Ho Park A
frica Team Leader, Korea Institute for Economic Policy
Ki-Dae Lim Professor, Hannam University
Open Discussion
All participants