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Y-GDF
Y-GDF
Introduction
Every May, the spirit of the people’s struggle for democracy and human rights against martial law in May 1980 is commemorated in Gwangju and nationwide through programs to remember and sustain the democracy movement. During this occasion, the May 18 Foundation and the Asia Democracy Network are implementing a joint initiative, the Gwangju Youth Democracy Forum (Y-GDF), to cultivate youth leadership in the democracy movement, strengthen youth engagement in civic participation, and provide a space to network among like-minded actors.
The Y-GDF will take place in Gwangju, Korea, from 14-15 May, 2024, before the Gwangju Democracy Forum (GDF). The GDF is an annual international forum organized by the May 18 Foundation in cooperation with partner organizations to envision more excellent prospects for democracy in the world, according to the May 18 spirit. The GDF will bring prominent democracy and human rights stakeholders from across Asia, and the participants of the Y-GDF will have an opportunity to network and engage.
Y-GDF 2024
- Event Title Gwangju Democracy Forum 2024 (Gwangju Youth Democracy Forum, Y-GDF)
- Date May 14 (Tues.) to May 15 (Wed.), 2024
- Venue The May 18 Cultural Center, May 18 Archive, The May 18 Democracy Plaza, The May 18 National Cemetry
- Theme We Are The Future
- Co-organizer
Objectives
• Sustain and maintain the democratic movement in memorial of the May 18 democracy struggle spirit
• Develop youth leadership in activism
• Provide space for pro-democracy advocate youth to network and connect
Themes/Topics
This year, the theme of the Gwangju Democracy Forum(GDF) is ‘Crisis of Freedom – The Future We Want”. The Forum aims to examine the evolution of how freedom is defined and its varied perceptions, with the goal of gaining insight into the contemporary understanding of freedom in today’s world.
In line with the GDF theme, the Y-GDF will also explore three thematic clusters from the GDF under the overarching theme, “We Are The Future.”
a) Global Crisis
Discuss ways to deepen international solidarity and the necessity of global leadership to create a peaceful Earth without war.
b) We are the Future
Discuss mobilizing and leading movements as youth activists as a response to challenges regarding democracy, human rights, and freedom. (ie: Hong Kong’s Umbrella Revolution, Taiwan’s Sunflower Movement, Milk Tea Alliance, and Myanmar’s Civil Disobedience Movement)
c) Election vs Democracy?
Discuss how elections are conducted in respective countries, the factors that impact the electoral process and as a means to strengthen democracy.
Methodology
The two-day program will include lectures, on-site study tours, group work, and group discussions. There will also be opportunities for participants to present their thoughts on their vision for the future of democracy and civic space as well as strengthening international solidarity.
The participants will also attend the Gwangju Democracy Forum from 16-18 May 2024 learning and engaging pro-democracy advocates and experts. In addition, participants will also participate in the National May 18 Ceremony organized by the Korean government on May 18th.
Eligible Participants
• 22-35 years of age (born 1989-2002)
• Foreign student of any nationality
• Must reside in Korea and be enrolled in a South Korean institution of higher education
• Currently studying topics on peace, democracy, human rights, civil society
• Interested in learning more about the May 18th Democratic Uprising
• Must be able to attend in full the Y-GDF and GDF for the duration of 14-18 May 2024
Accommodations/Meals/Transportation
Accommodation will be provided (two people will be paired in one room in a modest hotel)
Meals will be provided for 5 nights and 6 days from dinner 14 to breakfast 19 May 2024.
Transportation - The participant is responsible for arranging and funding transportation to Gwangju, Korea.
Main Venue
May 18 Foundation - The May Cultural Center, 152 Naebang-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju
Program
[Gwangju Democracy Forum Schedule]
| May 14 (Tues.) | May 15 (Wed.) | May 16 (Thur.) | May 17 (Fri.) | May 18 (Sat.) | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Event | Y-GDF | GDF | ||||
| AM | Y-GDF Participants Arrival | Session I | GDF Opening Keynote Speech I | Thematic Session III-1 | Thematic Session II | 44th Anniversary of the May 18 Democratic Uprising National Ceremony |
| Lunch | Thematic Session III-2 | Special Session | ||||
| PM | Orientation and Introduction | Lunch | Thematic Session I-1 | Lunch | Cultural Exploration | |
| Session II | Special Session | Special Session | ||||
| The Foundation's Reflection on International Project and the way Forward | Coffee Break | |||||
| Study Tour | Thematic Session I-2 | Coffee Break | ||||
| Closing Session | ||||||
| May 18 Eve March | ||||||
| Event |
- Screening of Myanmar Documentary: 7 PM. May 16(Venue: Minjoo Hall)
- May 18 Eve March & Eve Festival: 5:30 PM. May 17(Venue: Geumnam-ro) - 2024 Gwangju Prize for Human Rights(GPHR) Award Ceremony: 7 PM, May 18 (Venue: To Be Confirmed) |
|||||
[Y-GDF Schedule]
| May 14 (Tues.) | May 15 (Wed.) | |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 ~12:00 |
Session I
Group Discussion:
Under the three thematic Cluster Discussion Theme: - Global Crisis - We are the Future - Election VS Democracy? |
|
| 12:00~13:00 | Participants Arrive, and Enrollment (May 18 Archives) | |
| 12:00~13:00 | Orientation and Introduction | Lunch |
| 15:00~18:00 | Study Tour: Mission – Finding the M 15:00~15:30 Move to Gumnamro 15:30~16:00 Strategic Planning 16:00 Game Start (The May 18 Historical Sites nearby Gumnamro) |
Session II: Presentation & Discussion: |
| Break (15:30~16:00) | ||
| The Foundation’s Reflection on International Project and the Way Forward |
**The program is subject to change. A final program will be provided before the event.
Contact
• Contact : Hayoung Shin, The May 18 Foundation Glocal Center
• E-Mail : shy@518.org
• TEL : +82 62-360-0535 (Gwangju, Korea)
