siempre.
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Others2025.09.19Need to Foster Africa’s AI
AI has become one of the most prominent fields of global attention. Today, it is applied not only in everyday life but also across diverse professional sectors, driving countries worldwide to invest heavily in its development. As AI emerges as a key driver of the future international order, competition among nations is intensifying. Yet the development of AI requires skilled human resources, vast datasets, and reliable infrastructure, areas where significant disparities have already emerged. Consequently, nations that hold global power are consolidating their dominance in AI as well. The United States and China, for example, are currently locked in fierce competition for AI leadership. But what does it mean to be excluded from this race? AI is, at its core, a product of learning. However, the learning process rarely reflects a truly balanced view of the world. Which information is accepted as truth, and which perspectives are emphasized, depends on the data and the designers who train the system. Even with objective data, outcomes differ depending on who builds and trains the AI. This is why many countries are actively developing AI models that reflect their own perspectives. The 2025 AI Index Report illustrates this imbalance. The vast majority of leading AI models have been developed in the United States and China, while Africa lags significantly behind in both pace and scale. Although Africa and Latin America have made progress in computer science (CS) education, many African countries still lack stable access to basic infrastructure such as electricity. As of 2023, only 34% of primary schools in Sub-Saharan Africa had electricity, showing the severity of this barrier. Without these foundations, computer literacy and AI education remain limited. The gap extends to research and development as well. From 2013 to 2023, Africa recorded strikingly low numbers of AI-related publications, patents, and legislative initiatives. Between 2003 and 2024, Africa produced virtually no major AI models. Even in the Korea Software Policy & Research Institute’s global report on large-scale AI models, African countries were absent, underscoring the widening development gap. This issue is not just technical. It is fundamentally about representation. Without AI models developed from African perspectives, global AI will continue to reflect primarily U.S. and Chinese viewpoints. This risks erasing Africa’s unique and diverse perspectives from the global AI ecosystem. Africa’s 54 countries represent rich cultural and social diversity, and if this is excluded, Africa’s influence in international discourse will inevitably diminish. Signs of exclusion are already evident. In global surveys on AI services conducted between 2022 and 2024, only South Africa was included, compared to nine Asian countries, twelve European countries, three North American countries, five South American countries, and two Oceanian countries. This illustrates how Africa is being sidelined as an opinion leader in shaping the future of AI. If this trend continues, Africa risks becoming further marginalized in the global AI landscape. For these reasons, the development of major AI models in Africa is not optional but essential. To achieve a more balanced global perspective, representation across continents must be ensured. Expanding participation from currently marginalized regions such as Africa and Latin America will strengthen solidarity and cooperation within the Global South. At the same time, AI-leading nations can help build a fairer and more sustainable global AI ecosystem through collaboration. AI models developed by Africa would be more than technological milestones. They would serve as a foundation for balance, fairness, and diversity in the international community. If support for Africa’s AI industry is delayed, the future global AI order will become increasingly shaped by the perspectives of only a few powerful nations. For genuine balanced development, we call for active support and global solidarity in fostering Africa’s AI industry and advancing the development of major AI models.siempre.
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Others2025.09.173 Keys to Sustainable Tourism
Three Keys to Sustainable Tourism With the rise of globalization and increased travel, more people are crossing borders to visit various regions. The tourism industry has become a significant part of national economies, and as tourism, which had been suppressed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resumes, tourists are flocking to popular destinations around the world. However, overtourism has become a serious problem in many of these areas. This has led to negative consequences such as noise, waste, and even the invasion of residents' privacy. In Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, tourists crowd the narrow streets to take photos, causing inconvenience for locals. Some residents cannot even open their windows, and their privacy is violated as tourists enter their homes without permission. Moreover, overtourism leads to rising real estate prices and environmental degradation. In Barcelona, for example, the surge in tourists has caused property prices to skyrocket, and in the El Carmel district, many residents have been forced to leave due to the growing number of tourist accommodations. As dissatisfaction with overtourism grows, some local communities have organized protests. Residents in Montmartre, for example, have complained that their neighborhood has transformed into a theme park for tourists, and in Barcelona, around 600 protesters took to the streets with signs reading ’Tourists Go Home.’ Some residents even sprayed water guns at tourists, and in Mallorca and Ibiza, more extreme actions such as blocking tourist buses have been seen. These protests are more than just expressions of inconvenience. They signal the need for a new direction where local communities and tourism can coexist harmoniously. To address these issues, it is essential to establish sustainable tourism through three key policies: containment, distribution, and understanding. These policies aim to regulate overtourism while ensuring the long-term viability of the tourism industry. Japan offers an exemplary model of how these strategies can be effectively conducted. On Iriomote Island, Japan has implemented a ‘containment’ policy by limiting daily visitors to 1,200 and restricting vehicle speeds in certain areas to protect endangered species. Kyoto employs a ‘distribution’ strategy by opening new cultural heritage sites during off-peak seasons and holding special events at various times and locations to avoid overcrowding. Shirakawa-go has introduced an ‘understanding’ policy by providing tourist etiquette guides to encourage responsible tourism and respect for local culture. On the other hand, most countries have focused mainly on containment policies. Venice, for example, has limited the number of daily tourists and introduced a daily tourism tax. Athens has also restricted the number of visitors to the Acropolis to protect the site, and Barcelona has raised its tourism tax and strengthened regulations on illegal accommodations. In Ibiza and Mallorca, some areas have limited tourist buses or removed beach chairs to control crowds. In South Korea, Bukchon Hanok Village has also limited tourist access at certain times. However, relying solely on containment policies cannot guarantee the sustainability of the tourism industry. If containment policies are overly strict, there is a risk of shrinking the tourism industry. Since tourism contributes significantly to national economies and creates various jobs, excessive regulation can harm local businesses. In the case of Bukchon Hanok Village, while residents have welcomed the restrictions, local merchants have expressed concerns about losing revenue. This suggests that striking a balance between the local community, the tourism industry, and tourists is a complex challenge. Therefore, to solve the problem of overtourism, we not only need to focus on containment but also consider distribution and understanding policies in a balanced manner. It’s important to properly distribute tourists across different areas and, at the same time, encourage responsible behavior from tourists. Just like Japan, other countries should combine the three strategies to create a sustainable tourism environment. When such a balanced approach is implemented worldwide, we can build a tourism environment where both tourists and locals can truly coexist. This will not be a short-term solution but the foundation for a tourism industry that can thrive in the long term. [요약] 관광 산업은 국가 경제에 중요한 역할을 하고 있지만, 최근 들어 과잉관광 문제가 심각해지고 있습니다. 이를 해결하고자 많은 국가들이 '억제' 정책에 집중하고 있지만, 이는 관광 산업의 지속 가능성을 보장하기에 부족합니다. 지속 가능한 관광을 위해서는 '억제' 외에도 '분산'과 '이해' 정책을 균형 있게 적용해야 합니다. 관광객이 특정 지역에 집중되지 않도록 분산시키고, 책임감 있는 관광을 유도하는 정책이 필요합니다. 일본의 사례처럼, 각국은 세 가지 정책을 잘 결합하여 지속 가능한 관광 환경을 만들어야 합니다. 이런 균형 잡힌 접근이 전 세계적으로 확산된다면, 관광객과 지역 주민이 상생하는 관광 환경이 만들어질 수 있습니다. 이는 단기적인 해결책이 아니라, 장기적으로 지속 가능한 관광 산업의 기반이 될 것입니다.siempre.
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Environment & Climate2025.09.11Do NOT Be Fooled By Greenwashing!
Do NOT Be Fooled By Greenwashing! These days, we often hear the term 'climate crisis' instead of 'climate change.' This shift reflects the reality that environmental issues have gone beyond minor weather changes and have become a serious threat to humanity’s survival. Many of us are already feeling the effects of this crisis in our daily lives. In South Korea, for example, the four seasons have become less distinct, and extreme temperatures are becoming increasingly common. As the climate crisis worsens, governments are strengthening environmental policies, and public interest in eco-friendly practices is growing throughout society. In response, many companies are adjusting to these new regulations and actively incorporating eco-friendly images into their marketing strategies. Consumers are more willing to take part in protecting the environment by purchasing green products. This creates a kind of 'win-win consumption,' where both companies and consumers participate together in addressing environmental issues. However, there is something we need to be cautious about. It´s called 'greenwashing.' Greenwashing is a combination of the words 'green' and 'washing,' and it refers to companies that advertise themselves as eco-friendly when they actually are not. This includes not only false advertising but also vague or misleading expressions that can easily confuse consumers. This means that consumers may think they’re making eco-friendly choices, when in fact, they might not be making any real difference. A well-known example of this is the 'ecobag'. Many people believe that using ecobag is one of the easiest ways to adopt eco-friendly habits. However, a study by Danish researchers found that an ecobag must be used at least 7,100 times to have a meaningful positive impact on the environment. That would mean using the same bag every day for more than 19 and a half years. This shows that the actual environmental benefit of using ecobags may not be as significant as many people think. Another example that has gained attention recently is the 'paper straw'. Many cafes have replaced plastic straws with paper ones as part of their eco-friendly policies. However, some studies have suggested that paper straws emit more greenhouse gases during production and even contain harmful substances. This has led to confusion, as products once believed to be good for the environment may actually have more negative impacts than expected. Much of this confusion comes from making judgments without considering the full life cycle of a product. When evaluating how eco-friendly a product really is, it's essential to look at the entire process, from the raw materials to production, transportation, usage, and final disposal. Without this comprehensive view, we can’t accurately measure the amount of carbon dioxide emitted or understand how products are used and recycled by consumers. For example, studies from Brazil (2020) and Greece (2025) found that plastic straws were more eco-friendly than paper ones. However, a study in South Africa (2020) found the opposite. These conflicting results happen because the production conditions differ by country. In South Africa, for instance, plastic straws are made from coal, while in the U.S. and Europe, they’re made using oil or natural gas. These differences in raw materials, manufacturing methods, and transportation distances show that the environmental impact of a product can vary widely depending on the country, region, and how consumers use it. Therefore, we can no longer rely solely on corporate marketing. We should start considering the full life cycle of a product and understand the importance of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to avoid being misled by greenwashing. Of course, it's difficult for the average consumer to fully understand the technical aspects of LCA, but we still need to become responsible consumers who can distinguish what is truly eco-friendly based on objective standards. To make this possible, governments and environmental agencies should play a more active role in informing the public about LCA and relevant evaluation standards. Additionally, there needs to be more credible certification systems and clear assessment standards to prevent companies from arbitrarily labeling their products as eco-friendly. Only when governments, companies, and individuals all work together can our consumption truly become a choice that helps protect the environment. 그린워싱, 더 이상 속지 말자! 그린워싱이란 녹색(green)과 세탁/위장(washing)의 합성어로, 기업이 실제로는 친환경적이지 않으면서도 친환경적인 이미지를 내세우는 행위를 의미합니다. 단순한 허위광고뿐 아니라, 소비자가 오해할 수 있는 표현을 사용하는 경우도 모두 포함됩니다. 그 결과, 소비자는 환경에 도움이 된다고 믿고 제품을 구매하지만 실제로는 그렇지 않은 경우가 발생하게 됩니다. 이러한 혼란은 대부분 제품의 '전 과정'을 고려하지 않은 판단에서 비롯됩니다. 제품의 원료 추출부터 생산, 운송, 소비, 폐기에 이르는 전체 과정을 평가하는 '전과정평가(LCA, Life Cycle Assessment)' 없이, 최종 제품만 보고 친환경 여부를 판단하는 것은 실질적인 환경 영향을 제대로 파악할 수 없게 만듭니다. 따라서 우리는 그린워싱에 속지 않기 위해 제품의 전체 생애주기를 고려하고 '전과정평가(LCA)'의 개념을 기본적으로 인식함으로써 진짜 '친환경'을 구별할 수 있는 책임 있는 소비자가 되어야 합니다.siempre.
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Environment & Climate2025.09.04Vanishing Wildlife, Serengeti
When we talk about the climate crisis, we often picture a polar bear stranded on a melting iceberg. But the shadow of climate change stretches far beyond the Arctic. On the opposite side of the world, in the grasslands of Africa, countless wild animals are now facing the threat of extinction. The Serengeti is one of the most vital ecosystems on Earth. It is home to a variety of wildlife and plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. Massive migrations of herbivores not only support carbon cycling by grazing on vegetation, but also reduce the risk of wildfires by consuming small plants. However, this once-thriving land is now undergoing alarming changes due to the climate crisis. Sudden downpours during the dry season and droughts during the rainy season are disrupting natural rhythms. These irregular weather patterns are changing the Serengeti’s ecological flow. One striking example is the annual migration of wildebeests. Every year, they travel over 1,600 kilometers in a consistent direction in search of water and grass. But now, localized torrential rains are causing grass to regrow in areas they’ve already passed through, confusing their route and scattering the herds. This also affects predator species like lions, which rely on the wildebeests’ migration. As lions move to find the herds, some of the pride fall behind, unable to keep up with the increased travel demands. Moreover, as the grasslands dry up, elephants are losing the mud baths that they depend on to regulate their body temperature. Cheetahs, already an endangered species, are showing unusual behavior, such as climbing trees to escape the extreme heat. These changes are not just a concern for wildlife. If biodiversity in the Serengeti collapses, it could trigger a chain reaction across the global ecosystem, ultimately affecting human life as well. If we fail to act now, we may become the last generation to witness wildebeests roaming the plains, elephants bathing in the mud, or cheetahs sprinting through the savanna. Protecting the Serengeti means protecting the future of our planet. This is not just an African issue. It is a global one. We urgently need international cooperation and concrete solutions to preserve the Serengeti. Only then can we ensure that future generations inherit a planet where wildlife continues to thrive. 기후 위기를 논할 때, 우리는 종종 녹아내리는 빙하 위에서 위태롭게 버티는 북극곰을 떠올립니다. 하지만 기후 위기의 그림자는 북극에만 드리워진 것이 아닙니다. 지구 반대편, 아프리카의 세렝게티 초원에서도 수많은 야생동물이 생존의 위협을 받고 있습니다. 세렝게티는 지구 생태계에서 매우 중요한 지역입니다. 이곳에는 다양한 야생동물들이 살아가며, 생태계의 균형에 큰 역할을 하고 있습니다. 대규모로 이동하며 풀을 뜯는 초식동물들은 탄소 순환을 돕고, 작은 식물들을 섭취함으로써 산불 위험도 줄여줍니다. 그러나 지금, 생명력 넘치던 세렝게티는 기후위기로 인해 심각한 변화를 겪고 있습니다. 건기에는 갑작스러운 폭우가 쏟아지고 우기에는 오히려 비가 오지 않는 등, 계절과 지역에 맞지 않는 불규칙한 날씨가 나타나면서 세렝게티 생태계의 리듬을 무너뜨리고 있습니다. 대표적인 사례는 누 떼의 이동입니다. 누는 해마다 1,600km에 달하는 거리를 일정한 방향으로 이동해 왔습니다. 그러나 국지성 호우가 발생하여 지나간 자리에 다시 풀이 자라면, 누 떼의 이동 경로가 엉키고 무리가 흩어지는 일이 발생합니다. 이는 누 떼를 기다리던 사자 무리에도 영향을 미칩니다. 사냥을 위해 사자 무리의 이동량이 대폭 증가하면서, 일부 낙오자가 발생하기도 합니다. 또한, 건조해진 초원에 진흙 목욕 장소가 사라지면서 코끼리는 체온 조절에 어려움을 겪고 있으며, 멸종위기종인 치타는 극심한 폭염을 피해 나무 위로 오르려고 하는 이례적인 행동을 보이기도 합니다. 이 모든 변화는 단지 야생동물만의 문제가 아닙니다. 세렝게티의 생물다양성이 무너진다면, 이는 곧 전 지구적 생태계에 영향을 미치고 인간 사회에도 되돌릴 수 없는 타격을 입히게 될 것입니다. 만약 우리가 아무 조치도 취하지 않는다면, 우리 세대가 세렝게티 초원을 달리는 야생동물을 기억하는 마지막 세대가 될지 모릅니다. 세렝게티를 지키는 일은 곧 지구의 미래를 지키는 일입니다. 이는 아프리카 대륙에 국한된 문제가 아니라, 인류 전체의 문제입니다. 다음 세대에게 야생동물이 살아갈 수 있는 지구를 물려줄 수 있도록, 세렝게티 초원을 보존하고 기후 위기에 대응할 실질적 해결 방안이 필요합니다.siempre.
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Human Rights & Social Justice2025.09.03Single Word, Big Difference
How Sensitive Are You About the Language You Use? Have you ever heard of ‘linguistic sensitivity’? Linguistic sensitivity refers to the ability to recognize subtle meanings and to ensure that our words do not unintentionally cause harm or discrimination. It also involves being mindful so that our intentions and thoughts are communicated clearly and respectfully. With this awareness, we can identify language with bias or derogatory expressions, and learn to express ourselves better. Even words we use casually in everyday conversation can contain discriminations and unintentionally hurt someone. Moreover, language that was once widely accepted may now be problematic as society’s awareness of bias and inequality evolves. That’s why it’s important to reexamine the language we use today, and make thoughtful changes when necessary. Linguistic sensitivity is not just a matter for a specific group or community. It matters to everyone. And especially in English, as a global language, it’s important to be aware of how our word choices can include or exclude others. Below are some examples of commonly used English expressions and their alternatives. 1) blind spot → awareness gap The phrase ‘blind spot’ refers to something we fail to notice or recognize. However, the word ‘blind’ can unintentionally hurt people with visual impairments. A better alternative could be ‘awareness gap’, which focuses on the lack of awareness. 2) chocolate addict → chocolate enthusiast People often use the phrase ‘addicted to’ when they like something a lot. But the term ‘addict’ can be harmful to someone struggling with serious addiction issues. Instead, we can consider using ‘enthusiast’, which conveys passion in a more respectful and positive way. 3) paralyzed by → frozen by, stopped by ‘Paralyzed by’ is often used to describe a situation where someone becomes physically frozen due to shock or fear. However, for people actually living with paralysis, this can be a painful reminder of their condition. Alternatives like ‘frozen by’ or ‘stopped by’ can be used instead. 4) housewife → homemaker The term ‘housewife’ reinforces a gender stereotype by implying that domestic work is exclusively a woman’s role. A more gender-neutral and inclusive term is ‘homemaker’. Similarly, instead of saying ‘fireman’ or ‘mailman’, we can use ‘firefighter’ or ‘mail carrier’. These alternatives are increasingly used in modern English. 5) illegal aliens, illegal immigrants → undocumented immigrants Using the word 'illegal' to describe a person’s existence can create negative perceptions and reinforce harmful stereotypes. Instead, the term ‘undocumented’ shifts the focus to their lack of official documentation rather than defining their existence as unlawful. Of course, it's not ideal to overanalyze every expression or react sensitively to every single word. We should not take this too far, as it can make social interactions exhausting and even create unnecessary controversies. But what truly matters is having the awareness, willingness, and intention to reflect on our language and make thoughtful choices. Linguistic sensitivity is essential in a diverse society and plays a key role in building a culture of mutual respect and better communication. A single word can make big difference. Let’s grow in our linguistic sensitivity together. ‘언어 감수성’이라는 말, 들어보신 적 있으신가요? 언어 감수성이란, 말이나 글 속에 담긴 민감한 의미를 알아차리고 그 표현이 누군가에게 상처나 차별이 되지 않도록 주의하는 능력입니다. 동시에 자신의 의도와 생각이 왜곡 없이 잘 전달되도록 살피는 태도입니다. 이러한 감수성을 바탕으로 우리는 비하나 편견이 담긴 표현을 알아차리고 더 나은 방식으로 바꿔 갈 수 있습니다. 우리가 일상에서 무심코 사용하는 단어 속에도 누군가에 대한 차별이 숨어 있을 수 있고, 그것이 의도치 않게 상처가 되기도 합니다. 게다가 과거에는 아무렇지 않게 쓰이던 말들도 시간이 흐르고 사회적 인식이 달라지면서 차별이나 편견으로 인식되기도 합니다. 그렇기에 우리가 사용하는 언어를 지금의 시선으로 다시 돌아보고 바꿔 나가는 것이 필요합니다. 이러한 언어 감수성은 어느 특정 집단만의 문제가 아니라, 전 세계 모든 이들에게 중요한 태도입니다. 특히 국제 공용어인 영어를 사용할 때, 이러한 감수성으로 보다 바람직한 표현을 사용할 필요가 있습니다. 다음은 그에 대한 예시와 대체할 수 있는 표현들입니다. 1) ‘Blind spot’이라는 표현은 어떤 것을 인지하지 못하는 상황을 의미하지만, 'blind(시각장애)'라는 단어가 시각장애인에게 무심코 상처가 될 수 있습니다. 따라서 ‘인지하지 못하는 간극’이라는 의미의 'awareness gap'으로 바꾸어 표현하는 것이 더 적절합니다. 2) 무언가를 매우 좋아할 때 흔히 'addicted to'라는 표현을 사용합니다. 그러나 ‘addict(중독자)’는 실제 중독으로 고통받는 사람들에게 상처가 되는 표현일 수 있습니다. 대신, ‘열정적인 사람’이라는 긍정적인 의미를 담은 enthusiast로 바꾸는 것이 좋습니다. 3) ‘Paralyzed’는 어떤 충격이나 두려움으로 몸이 굳어버리는 상황을 묘사할 때 종종 사용되지만, 실제로 마비 증상을 겪는 사람들에게는 불편한 표현일 수 있습니다. 따라서, 비슷한 의미인 'frozen by' 또는 'stopped by'로 대체할 수 있습니다. 4) ‘Housewife’는 집안일을 하는 사람을 여성으로 한정하기 때문에 성역할에 대한 고정관념을 심어줄 수 있습니다. 대신 homemaker와 같이 성별 중립적인 표현을 사용하는 것이 바람직합니다. 이와 비슷하게, fireman 대신 firefighter, mailman 대신 mail carrier 등의 표현도 점차 널리 사용되고 있습니다. 5) ‘Illegal’이라는 단어를 통해 사람의 존재를 불법으로 규정하는 표현은 부정적인 인식이나 낙인을 유발할 수 있습니다. 따라서, 최근에는 'undocumented'라는 표현을 사용하여 법적 등록 상태에 초점을 맞추는 방향으로 바뀌고 있습니다. 물론 모든 표현을 과도하게 해석하거나, 사소한 단어까지 민감하게 반응하는 것은 바람직하지 않습니다. 이는 오히려 사회를 피곤하게 만들 수 있고, 불필요한 논란을 낳을 수 있습니다. 하지만 중요한 것은 이러한 표현을 인지하고, 고민하고, 조심하려는 태도입니다. 언어 감수성은 더불어 살아가는 사회에서 우리가 함께 배워가야 할 중요한 소양이며, 더 나은 소통과 존중의 문화를 만드는 데 꼭 필요한 자세입니다. 작은 말 한마디가 큰 변화를 만듭니다. 우리 모두 함께 언어 감수성을 키워가면 좋겠습니다.siempre.
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Media & Arts2025.01.22Cultural Exchange Program for International Students from all over the world
Today, we live in an increasingly interconnected world. International students, in particular, are in a special position to learn and experience the cultures of other countries. Nevertheless, most international students do not get enough opportunities to effectively spread the culture of their countries abroad, or to deeply understand the cultures of other countries. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen exchange programs for international students to learn about the history and culture of other countries, and at the same time, to spread their country's history and culture abroad. In addition, it is necessary to have a system in which various countries support and cooperate with each other, rather than conducting these programs individually. Through these programs, we can increase international cooperation and provide opportunities to expand mutual cultural understanding. The process by which international students introduce their own cultures to other countries and learn the cultures of other countries will contribute to laying the foundation for each country to understand and respect each other's cultural values. This will be an important first step in promoting international peace, cooperation, and global citizenship in the long run. The programs can be operated in various ways. First, international students from each country can regularly hold "Culture Day" events to introduce their own culture, history, and art. They can introduce their traditional clothes, food, music, and dance, which provide opportunities for students from other countries to learn and experience their own cultures. Also, we can offer history experience travel programs where international students can gather together to visit historical sites or museums in each country, and share various perspectives on historical events. Through this, international students can have a broader perspective and promote international cultural communication. International students are important people who are the best in understanding the history and culture of their own countries. The process by which they introduce their cultures to foreign countries and communicate with people from various cultural backgrounds plays an important role in enhancing mutual understanding. Also, if Korea plays a central role while expanding these cooperative relationships to each country, Korea will be able to play an important role in building a cooperative global society. Therefore, I propose to expand cultural exchange programs that support international students from each country to learn and experience each other's unique culture and thus further promote cooperation and understanding in a global society.siempre.
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Human Rights & Social Justice2024.12.01Call for Global Cooperation to Address the Refugee Crisis
According to the UNHCR, at least 1.6 million refugees have been displaced each year over the past 70 years, and the number of refugees registered with the UNHCR since 1982 has not been below 10 million. Today's global refugee crisis did not happen overnight, it is a problem that has progressively worsened over the past 70 years. In particular, one of the main causes of the refugee crisis is closely related to the independence of 24 African countries from European colonial rule between 1957 and 1962. While most independence was achieved peacefully, some countries were caught up in instability and violence, leading to decades of ongoing conflict and chaos. As a result, problems such as hunger, famine, and human rights violations are still occurring in many countries, and in recent years, climate change has overlapped to introduce a new term, "climate refugees," and the causes of refugees are becoming more diverse. But importantly, more than 80 percent of refugees flee to countries near their own countries. In other words, most countries that accept refugees are developing countries, and these countries also lack the conditions to fully accept refugees. As a result, international conflicts and problems related to refugee acceptance continue to arise, and their lives are very unstable and their human rights are not sufficiently guaranteed. However, it is not practically possible for developed countries to accept refugees unconditionally. Developed countries also have limitations in accepting refugees, and they cannot fully bear all the responsibility and burden. Therefore, the refugee issue requires continuous dialogue and cooperation between the international community. Now, many refugees are born in refugee camps and live their entire lives there. The number of refugees is increasing further due to new factors such as the climate crisis, and as their number grows, discussions about countries and institutions that will accommodate and support refugees must continue constantly. The international community should continue to work together to ensure the human rights of refugees and to reduce the burden on other countries. Above all, the international community's help for the poor facilities and lack of support in refugee camps is urgently needed. We need the attention of all of us and the cooperation of the international community to find practical solutions to protect the basic human rights of refugees and ultimately reduce the size of refugees. _ * Reference data * Image Source https://concern.or.kr/437siempre.
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Others2024.12.01Spanish Invalid notation [East Sea] 스페인어권 [동해 명칭] 오류
What language comes to your mind when you think of 'global'? Most of you may think of English, but English is not the only important language in the world. According to Ethnologue data from the early 2020s, the languages with the highest number of native speakers were Chinese, Spanish, and English in that order. As the number of speakers in Chinese and Spanish exceeds that of English, Korea must consider not only English but also other major languages to strengthen its global soft power. Especially, Spanish is spoken in more than 20 countries, and has become an important language with the spread of the Korean Wave in Latin America. Under these circumstances, the distortion of Korean history and culture is occurring not only in English but also in Spanish. A case in point is the East Sea issue. If you search for 'Japón(Japan)’ in Spanish, you can easily find a map with the East Sea marked with ‘Mar de Japón(Sea of Japan)’ rather than 'Mar del Este(East Sea).’ If someone encounter incorrect information through image search, there´s a high risk that distorted historical perception about the East Sea will spread. Therefore, we need to check and supplement the accuracy of Spanish maps in order to correct such historical distortions. In particular, by distributing the correct data related to the East Sea on multinational platforms, we need to convey the exact name of the East Sea to the international community. Through such strategic responses, we will be able to inform Korea's correct history and culture to more countries. _ 여러분은 '글로벌'하면 어떤 언어가 떠오르시나요? 대부분 영어를 떠올리겠지만, 전 세계에서 중요한 언어는 영어만이 아닙니다. 2020년대 초 Ethnologue 자료에 따르면, 가장 많은 네이티브 화자 수를 가진 언어는 중국어, 스페인어, 영어 순입니다. 중국어와 스페인어의 화자 수가 영어를 초과하는 만큼, 한국이 글로벌 소프트파워를 강화하려면 영어뿐만 아니라 다른 주요 언어들도 고려해야 합니다. 그중 스페인어는 20개국 이상에서 사용되며, 특히 중남미에서 한류가 확산되는 가운데 중요한 언어로 자리 잡고 있습니다. 이러한 상황에서 한국의 역사와 문화 왜곡 문제는 영어뿐만 아니라 스페인어에서도 발생하고 있습니다. 대표적인 예로, 동해 문제가 있습니다. 스페인어로 'Japón(일본)'을 검색하면, 동해가 ‘Mar del Este(동해)’가 아닌 'Mar de Japón(일본해)'로 표기된 지도를 쉽게 찾을 수 있습니다. 이미지 검색을 통해 잘못된 정보를 접하게 되면, 동해에 대한 왜곡된 역사 인식이 퍼질 위험이 큽니다. 따라서 이러한 역사 왜곡 문제를 바로잡기 위해 스페인어로 된 지도의 정확성을 점검하고 보완해야 합니다. 특히 동해와 관련된 올바른 자료를 다국적 플랫폼에 배포함으로써, 동해의 정확한 명칭을 국제사회에 전달해야 합니다. 이러한 전략적 대응을 통해 한국의 올바른 역사와 문화를 더욱 많은 국가들에 전달할 수 있을 것입니다. _ * Reference data https://www.britannica.com/topic/languages-by-number-of-native-speakers-2228882 * Image Source https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prefecturas_de_Japón https://transiberiano.net/rutas-alternativas/extension-japon-nihon-o-nippon/ https://nz.pinterest.com/pin/297237644137883908/ https://es.pinterest.com/pin/mapa-de-japon--383368987014137274/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/90299683@N00/118714146 https://proyectoviajero.com/mapas-de-japon/siempre.
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