Diplomacy Journal 이성준 기자 | TASHKENT - Uzbekistan has unveiled its updated Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy, marking a major step in the country’s journey toward national reform and development. Officials emphasise that implementing reform requires responsibility, consistency, institutional discipline, and public legitimacy. The government has revised the strategy following extensive public consultations, ensuring that citizens’ voices are reflected in the results-based policy framework. Aligned with international standards and designed to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the s
Diplomacy Journal David Kendall 기자 | Diplomatic representatives from five countries joined hundreds of local participants and Buddhist monks from Korea and Sri Lanka on Wednesday, 1 April, for the International Friendship Tree-Planting Ceremony held at the grounds of Byeoksa Chobuljeongsa Buddhist Temple in Miwon-myeon, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. , Organized by Diplomacy Journal and the Damhwa Cultural Foundation under Chairman Lee Jon-young, the event — entitled "Together with Nature, People and the World — Green Korea" — was held jointly with the Chungcheongbuk-do Cheongju Forestry Coop
The Yeongdeungpo Arts Hall operated by the Yeongdeungpo Cultural Foundation, has announced its 2026 Season Program, a year-round lineup designed to enrich the lives of local residents. Building on the warmth and accessibility of a community venue, Yeongdeungpo Arts Hall will present a high-caliber slate of performances spanning classical music, ballet, theater, and concerts. By erasing the boundaries between genres, the Hall aims to bring a touch of cultured excitement to residents' daily lives. The introduction of a season format reflects the Hall's commitment to proactively building and bran
Diplomacy Journal David Kendall 기자 | The Embassy of Bangladesh in Seoul hosted a reception on Tuesday to mark the country's 55th Independence and National Day at Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. The event brought together ambassadors, Korean government officials, and members of the diplomatic community to celebrate Bangladesh's national milestone and reflect on the growing partnership between the two countries. South Korea's Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Lim Sang-woo delivered remarks on behalf of the Korean government, congratulating Bangladesh on its new government following the Februar
Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced on March 31 that the 61st Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution on North Korean human rights by consensus on March 30 (Geneva local time), with 50 countries — including the Republic of Korea — participating as co-sponsors. No vote was required. The Korean government notes that the resolution welcomes North Korea's instances of compliance with human rights obligations and its participation in the Fourth Cycle of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), acknowledging the efforts made by the North Korean side. The
Korea's cultural wave continues to grow in global reach and commercial impact, according to the latest annual survey released by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) on March 30. Conducted across 30 countries and regions with 27,400 respondents aged 15 to 59, the 2026 Overseas Hallyu Survey — based on data collected in November–December 2025 — is the most expansive edition since the survey began in 2012, with Singapore, Chile, and Poland added to the sample for the first time. Seven in Ten Favor Korean Culture Overall favorability toward Korean cultural content stood at 69.7%, wi
The Korean government has unveiled its Sixth National Standards Master Plan, a five-year blueprint covering 2026–2030, jointly developed by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources (MOTIR) and 17 other ministries and agencies. With a total investment of approximately KRW 1.49 trillion (roughly USD 1.08 billion), the plan positions standardization as a core instrument of industrial competitiveness and technology diplomacy. The plan is built around four strategic pillars: 1. Leading Standards in Future Industries and AI Korea has identified 18 priority sectors for international standardizat
Diplomacy Journal 이성준 기자 | An analysis of nighttime satellite illumination data indicates a strengthening of economic activity across regions and an expansion in the number of territories exhibiting urban-type development. The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) applied satellite-based nighttime lights (NTL) data to assess economic activity at the level of regions and cities in Uzbekistan. The analysis shows that higher light intensity corresponds to higher levels of economic activity and more advanced urban infrastructure. CERR’s findings demonstrate a high degree of consistency b
On March 27, Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) issued several press releases related to South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun’s visit to France to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting. Minister Cho conducted a full day of intensive bilateral diplomacy on Thursday, March 26, holding back-to-back meetings with his counterparts from Germany, France, Canada, India, and Brazil, as well as with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Allison Hooker. Across all seven engagements, recurring themes included tensions in the Hormuz Strait, the situations in th
The Embassy of Myanmar in Seoul held a formal reception on March 27 to mark the 81st anniversary of Myanmar Armed Forces Day, drawing ambassadors, defense attachés, and members of the diplomatic community. Myanmar's Chargé d’Affaires Myo Myint Maung opened the proceedings by welcoming the assembled diplomatic corps with brief greetings in Korean and Burmese. In English, he framed Armed Forces Day as a symbol of patriotism and national sacrifice and described the occasion as one established to honor the moment when Myanmar's soldiers and people together rose against fascist forces, and as a day
Diplomacy Journal Lee Gil-ju 기자 | On March 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran invited Korean journalists to their embassy for a photo exhibition, press conference, and a documentary screening. "They can take lives, but they can never erase memories" was the heading of the invitation. The Ambassador of Iran to Korea, Saeed Koozechi, issued a statement before taking questions. The documentary screened was Angels Drenched in Blood. Diplomacy Journal reporter Lee Gil-ju attended and prepared the following: Press Briefing by the Iranian Ambassador to Korea
On March 25, Cheong Wa Dae announced that President Lee Jae Myung at this week's Cabinet meeting had directed the preemptive activation of an emergency response framework in light of the situation in the Middle East. Accordingly, an Emergency Economic Situation Room, to be chaired by the Chief of Staff, will be established under the Emergency Economic Review Meeting presided over by the President. This body will work in close coordination with the whole-of-government Emergency Economic Headquarters, headed by the Prime Minister, to manage domestic and international developments arising from th
The Embassy of Greece in Seoul hosted a formal reception on Wednesday, March 25, to commemorate Greece's National Day — the 205th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence — bringing together diplomats, government officials, and distinguished guests at the Nuri Ballroom of The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. The event carried particular significance this year, as 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Greece and the Republic of Korea. Greek Ambassador to Korea Loukas Tsokos delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the depth and breadth of bilatera
Diplomacy Journal David Kendall 기자 | The Embassy of Turkmenistan in Seoul hosted an international conference on March 25 at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. Ambassadors, government officials, academics, and students attended the event, which was also a celebration of diplomacy, scholarship, and culture produced by and about Turkmenistan. In his opening remarks, Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Korea Begench Durdyyev championed his country's 2026 motto "Independent, Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan, the Homelan
Diplomacy Journal Dunyo IA | Navruz is considered one of the ancient and widely celebrated traditional holidays, embodying values such as humanity, kindness, generosity and diligence. This holiday holds a significant place in the culture of the peoples of Central Asia, Iran, the Caucasus, the Near East and South Asia, reflecting the continuity of centuries-old civilizational traditions. According to historical sources, the tradition of Navruz dates back at least three thousand years. Detailed information on this subject was provided by Abu Rayhan Beruni in his work “The Remaining Signs of Past