ADDIS ABABA — In a powerful display of international solidarity and historical continuity, South Korean and Ethiopian youth gathered on November 11, 2026, to explore the themes of peace, mutual understanding, and cross-cultural cooperation.

Organized by the Ethiopia Sub-branch of the Eastern Branch (Africa Council) under the Democratic Peaceful Unification Advisory Council (PUAC)—led by Branch Head Park Hyung-sook—the event was themed “Sketching Peace Together: The Z Generation Speaks on Peaceful Coexistence.”

Hosted at the historic Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Association Hall, the program brought together international dignitaries, diaspora leaders, and the next generation of leaders from both nations to reflect on a shared history anchored by sacrifice and friendship.

Honoring a Historic Bond

The gathering drew profound emotional resonance from Ethiopia’s unique role as the sole African nation to deploy ground troops during the Korean War. Attendees paid tribute to the legendary Kagnew Battalion, whose soldiers fought valiantly to defend South Korea's freedom.

The weight of this history was vividly brought to life during the cultural program, where descendants and family members of the Kagnew Battalion veterans took the stage to perform traditional and contemporary Korean songs, including Arirang. The moving tribute underscored how a 70-year-old alliance continues to inspire pride and connection among contemporary descendants.

Youth Perspectives on Modern Peace

Moving past traditional memorial formats, the core of the event focused on youth-led discourse regarding global peace in the modern era. Presenters from both countries shared insights under the umbrella of “Peace and Coexistence through the Eyes of the MZ Generation.”

Key student and young leader speakers—including Samrawit Yohannes, Meron Semachew, Rekik Tibebu, and Cho Chan-hyun—delivered perspectives on dialogue, mutual growth, overseas community solidarity, and inclusive representation. The speakers argued that true peace transcends the mere absence of conflict, defining it instead as an active, collaborative process of bridging cultural differences and valuing every voice.

High-Level Support and Global Solidarity

The event attracted high-ranking officials from global Korean networks and the PUAC's Europe, Middle East, and Africa regional body. Notable attendees included:

*Kim Jum-bae, Vice Chairman of the PUAC Europe, Middle East, and Africa Regional Conference
*Choi Young-moon, President of the PUAC Africa Council
*Koh Sang-gu, President of the World Korean Federation
*Regional branch heads, council secretaries, and international Korean community leaders from across Africa, the Middle East, and Israel.

Observers noted that the broad international presence emphasized the growing significance of Korea-Africa grassroots diplomacy.

A Blueprint for Future Public Diplomacy

Organizers highlighted the event as a blueprint for next-generation public diplomacy, bridging historical memory with future-facing collaboration. By handing the microphone directly to South Korean and Ethiopian youth, the initiative successfully translated decades-old diplomatic goodwill into actionable, peer-to-peer relationships.

As the program concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the bridge of friendship built by veterans of the past, ensuring that upcoming generations continue to author a shared future of peace and prosperity.

For press inquiries and further information regarding this event, please contact Kim Kyung-soo, Planning and Public Relations Committee Chair for the PUAC Africa Council, via email at puac.ugkr@gmail.com or by mobile at +256-782-900002.

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