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The 1st ASEZ WAO Academy Guest Lecture
Reconsidering the Role of Young People as Future Leaders
ASEZ WAO, the Church of God Young Adult Worker Volunteer Group, carries out a wide range of activities around the world, including climate action and cultural exchange. Underpinning these efforts is the “ASEZ WAO Academy,” where members deepen their understanding of global issues and learn practical ways to take action. Established in 2021 and previously conducted primarily online, the academy expanded its learning opportunities by hosting the First ASEZ WAO Academy Guest Lecture on July 19. Held in a seminar room at the New Jerusalem Pangyo Temple, the event drew approximately 530 participants, including ASEZ WAO members from Korea, officials from Atlantic University in Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico House of Representatives who have collaborated with ASEZ WAO on cultural exchange and environmental protection activities, and guests from various fields.
At the opening ceremony in Part 1, ASEZ WAO Representative Kim Yong-gap welcomed the participants and explained the purpose of the event, saying, “At a time when the climate crisis is intensifying, we hope to help young adults gain expertise in environmental issues, put that knowledge into practice in their daily lives, and spread environmental leadership around the world.”
In her congratulatory remarks, Alexandra Fernandez Navarro, President of Atlantic University, said, “Education is a fundamental pillar of national development. I hope today’s cooperation will open new opportunities for learning and growth for future generations.” Jang Dae-sik, Chairman of the Net Zero 2050 Climate Foundation, said, “At a time when collaborative, action-oriented leadership is needed more than ever to address issues facing the international community, I hope young adults will gain new perspectives and inspiration from the experience and wisdom of experts from Korea and abroad.” During the event, President Navarro signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with ASEZ WAO, pledging to cooperate in a range of areas, including fostering young talent. Meanwhile, Julio De Jesús, Director of the Small and Medium-Sized Business Committee of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, presented ASEZ WAO with a plaque of appreciation from the Speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives.
In the second session, experts in environmental and economic fields from universities in Korea and abroad, including Ramon Barquin, Chairman of Atlantic University, took the stage. In lectures titled “The Greater Caribbean and the Pacific Era” and “Green Growth and Global Leadership,” respectively, the speakers presented strategies for addressing the climate crisis amid a rapidly changing global economy. They particularly emphasized the importance of building networks of cooperation among countries and regions and implementing environmental protection policies to address global challenges. They also highlighted the role of young leaders in promoting both environmental protection and economic growth. The speakers explained that addressing environmental issues is essential for future generations to achieve sustainable development and that young adults must recognize and lead the changes of our time so that countries around the world can achieve green growth. A question-and-answer session with ASEZ WAO members followed the lectures. Chairman Barquin advised the participants, saying, “Above all, sharing knowledge and education are essential. This is your role as leaders.”
Park Ha-eun, an ASEZ WAO member from Seoul who attended the lectures, said, “It challenged my assumption that environmental protection and economic growth cannot go hand in hand. It was a valuable opportunity to broaden my perspective and strengthen my ability to take action.” Lee Chang-su, an ASEZ WAO member from Goyang, said, “As the saying goes, ‘The more you know, the more you see.’ I realized that we need to properly understand the problems facing the planet before we can take action. The lectures greatly helped me set a clear direction for my future activities.”
