KOR
Welcome Note

It is my great pleasure to invite you to the 13th World Human Rights Cities Forum, which will be held in Gwangju from October 4th to 7th. Currently, more than half of the world's population lives in cities. Therefore, the issues of the world are also the issues of cities. The causes of various problems such as human rights, climate crisis, and social polarization, as well as their solutions, can be also found in cities. The World Human Rights Cities Forum, which we initiated in 2011 to share the spirit of the May 18 Democratization Movement of 1980 and the experiences of human rights cities, has now grown into an important platform for cities and human rights experts around the world to discuss various human rights issues and seek solutions together. The theme of this year's forum is 'Human Rights Cities Responding to Poverty and Inequality'. Based on this theme, the forum participants will address the issues of poverty and inequalities that are intensifying due to diverse challenges such as COVID-19, climate crisis, various conflicts and wars among others. It is my sincere hope that many international organizations, human rights city officials, civil society organizations and human rights experts will participate in the forum to share their experiences and expertise in handling poverty and discrimination issues. I also hope that the enhanced international solidarity through this forum will serve as a stepping stone towards the world without discrimination. I am looking forward to welcoming you in Gwangju this October. Thank you.

Mayor, Gwangju City    KANG Gi-jung

광주광역시장 강기정