Having embarked on our journey through the first years of the 21st Century, we find ourselves faced with a world of tremendous change and daunting uncertainty. The events of recent years have brought us to a critical crossroad, where we will have to mark a steady course through new challenges, conflicts and opportunities.

We are guided by the lessons of the past and fueled by an abiding hope for a better tomorrow. And while so much hangs in the balance of the unknown, we do know that the principle of world peace must serve as the compass for all of our decisions and actions.

There is much work to be done here in Korea. While Korea has made great strides toward economic prosperity and industrial prominence, our peninsula remains divided after more than half a century of ideological and political hostility. Moreover, as a member of the East Asian community of nations, we must play our rightful part in promoting peace, prosperity, and goodwill throughout the region and the world.

In view of these significant factors, we are pleased to announce the creation of a new organization, named ‘The Peace Foundation 21.’ This foundation will support initiatives and activities that can further the cause of peace by forging deeper ties between nations and peoples.

The current geopolitical landscape reveals new conflicts that have arisen and old enmities that continue to fester between nations, religions, races, and regions. And in order to secure a peaceful future for the generations to come, we must make a concerted effort to realize the hopes of our highest ideals. We sincerely welcome all of those who share in this vision to join us in our endeavors.