The 14th Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity was held last week for three days under the theme “Asia Towards Resilient Peace: Cooperation and Integration.

Critics are saying that it was all flash and lacks substance.

Todd Thacker reports.

The 14th Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity has come to a close.

[slug] 14th Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity held May 29-31

Under the theme of a resilient peace in Asia, leaders from around the world exchanged views on cooperation and integration during the three-day event.

[slug] Ideas for lasting peace in Asia put forward by global leaders

A number of noteworthy ideas were put forward regarding mutual cooperation in Asia, measures that could reduce regional tensions.

Malcolm Turnbull / Former Prime Minister of Australia

< 말콤 턴불 / 전 호주 총리 >
평화를 추구하는 여정에 많은 어려움이 있다고 해도 번영과 자유를 유지하기 위해 멈추지 말고 계속 가야 합니다.

[slug] Suspended construction of new port may be resumed

A Seoul official referenced the possibility of resuming construction of the island’s new sea port which has been suspended for over three years.

Song Jae-ho / Chairman, The Presidential Committee on Balanced National Development
The minister of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries agreed that it is important to work with JDC and let provincial government lead the construction project of Jeju new port. A new relationship the province and JDC is expected.
< 송재호 / 국가균형발전위원장 >
신항만의 배후단지는 제주도가 주도하고 JDC가 협력해서 해수부와 함께 하자. 그런 제안을 주셨고 해수부장관께 얘기했더니 아주 중요한 (제안이다.) 그런 의미에서 제주도와 JDC의 관계가 새롭게 간다고 봅니다.

Issues regarding economics, culture, and tourism also came up at the forum. This included topics of foreign affairs and security, such as the North Korean nuclear issue.

[slug] Largest event yet with 7,000 delegates from 70 nations

Organizers said that about 7,000 people from around 70 countries participated in this year’s forum, making it the largest ever.

But as it grows in size, questions have been raised about the forum's effectiveness.

[slug] Limited influence of speakers, mostly former officials

As most of this year's speakers and panelists were former officials, the discussions and suggestions put forth here are unlikely to affect national policies directly.

[slug] High-ranking officials from national governments absent

The absence of high-ranking domestic government officials, such as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister, point to indifference at a national level and a lack of persuasive power by the province.

[slug] Irrelevant programs, focus lost

Critics say the forum included irrelevant programs which strayed from the core principles of the event.

[slug] \3 bln spent on event and International Peace Foundation

They cite the hefty price tag as well. Approximately 3 billion won was spent on the forum and to operate the International Peace Foundation, which is in charge of the event.

[Reporter] Todd Thacker
[Camera] Kim Seung-cheol

In light of these criticisms, it behooves organizers to take a step back and reassess its approach to help develop social consensus on the island while effecting change in global policies of peace and prosperity.

Todd Thacker, KCTV