Special Lecture by UNV Executive Coordinator Olivier Adam
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2017-04-27
Olivier Adam, the Executive Coordinator of the United Nations Volunteers, who visited Korea for the 2nd Korea-UNV Strategic Dialogue, aconsultation for promoting UNV participation for young Koreans, delivered a special lecture at SMU on March 14. His lecture, prepared for students in the Department of Political Science and International Relations in (Professors Hong Kyu-Suk and Yu Jin-Suk), was attended by 150 students from all academic departments, who aspire to develop careers in the UNV or other international or ganizations.
The UNV is an UN-affiliated agency, committed to dispatching experts to developing countries for technology transfers as well as providing emergency relief - physical, personnel - to countries afflicted by natural disasters or civil conflicts. Currently 6,796 volunteers from 153 different countries are actively engaged in 122 countries.
Mr. Adam started his lecture by expressing his “pleasure to visit SMU as his first itinerary in Korea.” He also emphasized the special relationship between Korea and UNV, noting that "Korea has grown to one of the most important partners since it joined the UNV in 1985.” "As a home country of the former Secretary-General of the UN, Korea has given us its full support. For this, the international community is very grateful.
Regarding the raison d'etre of the UNV, the Executive Coordinator said, "Look at the Earth from the moon - you don't see any barriers or borders. This is the essence of our nature or how we should live in our world. And this is why we must cross borders with our humanitarian activities, gain trust, prevent conflict and safeguard peace."
In his lecture on the objectives and significance of the UNV activities, Mr. Adam shared his experience last year, when he met young Koreans from KOICA and introduced the UNV to them. "I hope all of you have an open-mind and use your experiences of assisting developing countries to further grow into global leaders
The special lecture was followed by a detailed presentation by Ms. Shalina Mia, the Director of the UNV Partnership, on current status of the UNV and the volunteer application procedures. It was an invaluable opportunity for students to learn various requirements and qualifications to work for the UNV and other international organizations.
Translation by Sookmyung Interpretation Volunteers