PRESS RELEASE
"With the UN, With the World"
Korean Association of Retired Persons to Host 80th UN Day Cultural Festival
The Korean Association of Retired Persons (KARP, President Juch Myung-yong ), a UN-registered NGO, will host the "Gwangjin Culture and Arts Festival" to commemorate the 80th United Nations Day on Friday, October 24, at 3 p.m. at the Dongbu Women's Development Center in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.
For the past 20 years, KARP has commemorated UN Day internally, but this year marks a significant expansion as the organization opens the celebration to the wider community as a public festival. This initiative aims to help citizens reflect on the UN's core values of peace, human rights, and sustainability, while strengthening solidarity between Korea and the international community.
The Significance of UN Day
United Nations Day commemorates October 24, 1945, when the UN Charter came into force, serving as a global occasion to reflect on the importance of peace and cooperation. The UN supported Korea's freedom and reconstruction during the Korean War through the participation of 16 nations and international aid, and has since maintained close cooperation with Korea in various fields including economic development, welfare, education, and the environment.
The Need for Global Solidarity
Today's world faces complex challenges including the climate crisis, regional conflicts, and economic inequality. KARP emphasizes that "international solidarity and cooperation are more urgent than ever at this juncture," adding that "the closer citizens become to the UN, the more peaceful the world becomes."
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated in his UN Day message:
"In a divided world, we must be United Nations. Together, we must move toward a better world for all."
The event will feature cultural performances alongside various commemorative programs with direct citizen participation.
Event Overview
- Event Name: 80th UN Day Commemorative "Gwangjin Culture and Arts Festival"
- Date & Time: Friday, October 24, 2025, 3:00 p.m.
- Venue: Dongbu Women's Development Center, Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
- Host: Korean Association of Retired Persons (KARP, UN NGO)
Contact: KARP Secretariat(02-456-7850)
