As world leaders grapple with an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, a quiet revolution is unfolding in the corridors of diplomacy. Youth summits, once dismissed as feel-good photo ops, are now emerging as vital forums for international dialogue.
From the inaugural ASEAN-Korea Youth Summit in 2020 to this July's U.S.-ROK-Japan Trilateral Global Leadership Forum in Busan, I've represented South Korean youth on the global stage multiple times. These experiences have granted me insights into the power and limitations of young voices in the diplomatic arena.
Youth summits serve as a gateway for young leaders and scholars to experience the intricacies of international relations and connect with like-minded global peers. These events, typically orchestrated by government ministries, municipalities or local embassies, follow a familiar format: they open with remarks from high-ranking officials, progress through model U.N.-style conferences and cultural exchanges and conclude with a presentation of resolutions.
The conclusion often features a special commendation or recognition for delegates, designed to create lasting memories. At the recent trilateral youth summit between the United States, South Korea and Japan, participants were surprised by a personal letter from U.S. President Joe Biden.
These events, while exhilarating for participants, serve as microcosms of broader foreign policy directions.........