Seoul: Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged South Korea to demonstrate solidarity in addressing the refugee situation and other significant issues in Africa, citing the interconnectedness of global challenges. Ban delivered his appeal via a video message during the Global Forum on Solutions for Forced Displacement in Africa, a collaborative event organized by Yonhap News Agency and the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ban emphasized the importance of global cooperation, stating, "We have reached a world where everyone is connected through humanity's common values of cooperation, trust and solidarity." He highlighted that no region is immune to the problems faced by others, drawing parallels between the issues confronting Africa and those South Korea has faced in the past, such as conflict and displacement. Ban referenced the 1950-53 Korean War to illustrate the significance of international support, including from African nations, in South Korea's economic development.
Ban expressed that Africa and South Korea share common historical challenges and could mutually benefit by sharing visions and values for the future. His extensive experience, including visits to Africa as U.N. Secretary-General from 2007 to 2016, has informed his perspective on the potential for collaborative progress between the regions.