Dignitaries gather for the 2024 Daegu-Gyeongbuk International Exchange Association Friendship Night held in Daegu, Dec. 1. Courtesy of Daegu Metropolitan City
By Kim Hyun-bin
On a crisp evening drenched in cultural richness, Daegu Metropolitan City and the Daegu-Gyeongbuk International Exchange Association orchestrated the grand 2024 Friendship Night on December 1st. Now gracing its 15th iteration, this illustrious gathering united an impressive assembly of diplomats and global dignitaries to reinforce the vital threads of international cooperation and civil diplomacy.
The night unfolded under the poignant theme of “the pursuit of harmony,” a resonant motif embraced by 25 diplomats hailing from 12 nations, among them Hungary, Myanmar, and Slovakia, melding their voices with over 600 attendees in pursuit of shared understanding.
It all began with an evocative solo rendition of the cherished Korean ballad “Longing for Mount Geumgang,” casting a harmonious spell over the venue. Co-chairpersons of the association welcomed guests with heartfelt speeches, paving the way for key diplomatic figures — notably Istvan Szerdahelyi, the Hungarian ambassador to Korea — to extend their congratulatory gestures.
In their stirring addresses, these ambassadors underscored the paramount significance of unity and collaboration on a global scale, devising solutions to pressing challenges. War, rampant poverty, and harrowing natural disasters were all laid bare as critical issues demanding concerted effort. Szerdahelyi particularly illuminated the pivotal role of civil diplomacy — a bridge fostering mutual respect and understanding among nations.
Since its initiation in 2008, the Daegu-Gyeongbuk International Exchange Association has forged a path as a catalyst for international relations, instigating a plethora of initiatives. Comprising private diplomatic entities from 40 nations, it dives headfirst into diverse activities — from disaster relief to cultural exchanges and scholarship programs — aimed at augmenting the region’s stature on the global stage.
Echoing these sentiments, Jeong Jang-soo, the deputy mayor of Daegu, emphasized the escalating influence of the private sector within global diplomatic discourse. “In these multifaceted and trying times, civil diplomacy’s role is nothing short of essential. As Daegu sets its sights on an ambitious future spanning the next half-century, we earnestly seek your unwavering support and collaboration to elevate our city’s global prominence,” Jeong articulated with vigor.
