ASIATODAY.ID, SEOUL — South Korea has launched a multinational youth diplomacy initiative aimed at strengthening public engagement and people-to-people ties ahead of the First Korea–Central Asia Summit 2026, reflecting Seoul’s growing strategic engagement with Central Asia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 3 inaugurated the Supporters for the First Korea–Central Asia Summit 2026, bringing together 20 young participants from South Korea and five Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Over the next three months, the participants will serve as youth ambassadors promoting the summit through digital campaigns, public outreach, and cultural exchange programs. Working in five multinational teams, they will produce online content, visit Central Asian embassies and partner institutions in Seoul, participate in policy dialogues and expert seminars, and engage in activities designed to strengthen mutual understanding among the participating countries.
The initiative reflects South Korea’s broader strategy of expanding its partnership with Central Asia through stronger public diplomacy and deeper people-to-people connections. Alongside government-level cooperation, Seoul is increasingly investing in youth engagement as a means of building long-term relationships with a region that is gaining strategic importance in energy, critical minerals, trade, and connectivity.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Chung Eui-hae said the youth ambassadors represent the future of Korea–Central Asia relations. She expressed hope that the program would broaden participants’ global perspectives while fostering mutual trust and nurturing future leaders committed to regional cooperation.
The Preparatory Office for the First Korea–Central Asia Summit 2026 will work closely with the youth ambassadors throughout the campaign, using the summit’s official social media platforms and public engagement initiatives to build momentum ahead of the leaders’ meeting.
The inaugural Korea–Central Asia Summit is expected to provide a new platform for expanding cooperation in trade and investment, critical minerals, energy security, clean technologies, digital transformation, infrastructure connectivity, education, and cultural exchange.
As geopolitical and economic competition intensifies across Eurasia, Central Asia has become an increasingly important partner for South Korea’s efforts to diversify supply chains, strengthen energy resilience, and broaden its diplomatic and economic footprint.
The youth diplomacy initiative underscores Seoul’s recognition that enduring international partnerships are built not only through government agreements but also through sustained engagement between the next generation of leaders. (AT Network)
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