Global ASEZ Summit 2023

In the hyperconnected world, where everything is closely connected due to the development of various technologies and industries such as aviation, telecommunications, and media, people are sharing numerous benefits of civilization. However, as the benefits we share increase, the problems that need to be solved increase, too. The problems are climate crisis caused by huge carbon emissions, various disasters, poverty caused by polarization, wars, and crimes.

On July 6, ASEZ, the University Student Volunteer Group of the Church of God, held the ASEZ Summit 2023. This is the second one, following 2019.

With the theme, “Driving Force for Strong Unity: Toward Sustainability,” it was held at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple in Korea with members from 500 universities in 40 countries, including Seoul National University (Korea), Columbia University (U.S.), University of Cape Town (South Africa), and University of Sydney (Australia). More than 1,500 people and experts from various fields, such as the former Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Park Jong-gil, Adjunct Professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Jeong Seung-wook, and Professor at Sakhalin National University in Russia Choi Chang-su, attended the event.

At the ASEZ Summit 2019, ASEZ adopted the “Change Makers’ Resolution” to create a crime-free world and has been actively carrying out crime prevention activities in each country. General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol mentioned this fact in his opening address and said, “You are pioneers who are leading great changes. I hope that your good influence will lead practical change and play a pivotal role in bringing together various stakeholders.” New York State Senator in U.S. Neil D. Breslin as well as figures from the Philippines and Singapore, congratulated the summit through their video congratulatory messages and cheered on ASEZ.

The summit began with lectures by Jose Daniel Williams Zepata, President of the National Congress of Peru, and other domestic and foreign figures. Through the video lecture, President Zapata introduced the Peruvian government’s response to climate crisis that has become unavoidable, and urged young adults to lead in making changes and protecting the environment for future generations.

ASEZ members sought practical actions for the sustainable future of the earth and humanity through the panel discussion of continent representatives. Six university student representatives pointed out the environmental and social problems that each continent faces, such as the destruction of the Amazon ecosystem due to illegal gold mining. They presented various solutions such as education on crime prevention which grafts Project Based Learning [PBL] onto it.

Mathew Watson from State University of New York, the representative of North America, suggested forming an emergency relief team to cope with frequent climate disasters and gained sympathy. He said, “In order to make a sustainable society where everyone is happy, the efforts to adapt to climate change are also needed as well as mitigating climate change.” Renato Correa De Sampaio from Goldsmiths, University of London, U.K., the representative of Europe, said, “All the members of society should take action. The partnership should gradually expand to regions, cities, countries, and the whole world.”

ASEZ members from 500 universities around the world adopted the U500 Joint Declaration based on their discussion. The declaration, in which university students around the world expressed their commitment to making the sustainable world, transcending national borders and cultures, contained six specific action plans in three areas: awareness, practice, and partnership. Many prominent figures signed in support of the joint declaration. ASEZ will deliver the U500 Joint Declaration to the UN.

Jasmine Rojas from the University at Albany, U.S., said, “It was good to learn the issues that occur not only around me but all over the world. I will find out the ways to implement and promote the agenda suggested by the continent representatives.” Cheon Jeong-wook from Kyonggi University, Korea, said, “Our small actions will become a stepping stone for making a big difference in the world.” ASEZ members in Korea and overseas are looking forward to expanding their activities on and off campus, based on the Joint Declaration for a sustainable future.

U500 Joint Declaration

• Pursue sustainability
• Realize carbon neutrality by preserving terrestrial and marine ecosystems
• Reduce crime through education, awareness raising, and environment improvement
• Launch emergency relief teams in response to disasters
• Improve the quality of life of vulnerable groups through community welfare activities
• Strengthen international cooperation and partnership

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