‘South Korea will take the lead in creating a better world through volunteerism’
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivered the opening address to hundreds of volunteers gathered for the 27th IAVE World Volunteer Conference in Busan, South Korea on 22 October 2024.
“Humanity is facing unprecedented new challenges, and a strong force of solidarity is needed to protect human freedom and prosperity,” President Yoon said. “It is important for free citizens to practice the spirit of philanthropy and solidarity for their neighbors and communities, and volunteerism is the answer.”
President Yoon shakes hands with Busan Mayor Park Heong-joon before greeting conference participants.
Over 1,400 volunteer leaders from around the world registered for the World Volunteer Conference, which IAVE has convened every two years since 1970. More than 90 countries are represented at this year’s conference, under the theme “People Power: Creating a Sustainable Future through Volunteering.”
“This conference is making the case that volunteer action has untapped potential to help the world meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” said Nichole Cirillo, executive director of IAVE. The United Nations recognizes this potential, and has named 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, Cirillo said.
“Busan is the best place to confirm the power of good solidarity,” President Yoon said. He explained that 70 years ago, during the Korean War, Busan more than doubled its population to take in refugees from the North. He added that the relief supplies and volunteers from around the world that came through Busan Port were a great help to South Korea in overcoming adversity and getting back on its feet.
Yoon also referenced South Korea‘s “kimchi culture,” which UNESCO listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage in December 2013. Kimchi ”forms an essential part of Korean meals, transcending class and regional differences,” UNESCO reports. The collective practice of kimjang—making kimchi—affirms Korean identity and strengthens family cooperation. For many Koreans, the seasonal process is also a reminder that humans need to live in harmony with nature.
The 27th IAVE World Volunteer Conference kicked off with pyrotechnics. From the left, President of the Korea Volunteer Center Association Yeonwook Jeong, Director of the United Nations Volunteer Advisory Service Tapia Kamaruko, Minister of the Interior and Safety Sangmin Lee, Vice President of the International Council of Volunteers (IAVE), college student Jiwon Seo, President Yoon, college student Hongil Park, Busan Mayor Hyungjun Park, President of the Korea Central Volunteer Center Yoonae Park, IAVE Executive Director Nicole Cirillo, and President of BNK Busan Bank Sungbin Bang. (Presidential News Photojournalist Corps)
President Yoon leaves the 27th IAVE World Volunteer Conference. (Lee Seung-hwan for Maeil Business Newspaper)
“South Korea will take the lead in creating a better world through volunteerism,” Yoon said. He cited a significant increase in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget, and promised to also extend a helping hand to the international community.
“I will play a leading role in resolving the development gap, climate gap, and digital gap between countries,” he said.
Yoon’s address at the World Volunteer Conference followed a visit to Choryang Market, a traditional market close to Busan Port International Exhibition and Convention Centre where the conference is being held.