Seoul: Yonhap News Agency, South Korea's key newswire, and the Korean representative office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on global displacement issues. The agreement was formalized in Seoul, with Yonhap News Agency President and CEO Hwang Dae-il and Kim Sae-ryeo, representative of UNHCR Korea, signing the document.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the MOU aims to foster cooperation between the two organizations to enhance public awareness regarding forced displacement in Africa and globally. Hwang Dae-il emphasized Yonhap's commitment to partnering with UNHCR to deliver engaging coverage on displaced individuals and refugee situations worldwide. Kim Sae-ryeo expressed optimism that Yonhap News will effectively disseminate stories on humanitarian emergencies in Africa to a broad audience.
An international forum is planned to be jointly organized by Yonhap and UNHCR in Seoul on April 24. The event will focus on Africa's displacement and refugee crises, gathering officials from major international organizations, African diplomatic missions in Seoul, and academic experts. Discussions will center on the factors driving displacement and refugee situations in Africa, such as conflicts and climate change, as well as exploring potential solutions and the media's role in covering these issues.
In line with these efforts, Yonhap News launched the Ubuntu Initiative last November, marking the first Africa-focused team established by a South Korean media company. The Ubuntu department is dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of Africa within Korean society.