Honorable guests and respected participants,

It is with profound honor that I extend a heartfelt welcome to all attendees of the 14th International Symposium hosted by Hana Academy Seoul. Despite the vast physical distances between us, our collective presence in this digital assembly is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the proliferation of knowledge and the advancement of global cooperation. I extend my sincere gratitude to each participant, who joined us from all corners of the globe.

Since Hana Academy Seoul opened its doors in 2010, it has been steadfast in upholding the esteemed tradition of this international symposium. Despite obstacles of Covid-19 encountered, our gathering today speaks volumes about the strength of our resilience and the power of collective effort. I have the utmost confidence that this symposium will provide an intellectually enriching and enlightening experience for all attendees.

Our world is amidst an unparalleled digital metamorphosis, bringing with it a myriad of opportunities as well as novel challenges pertaining to digital wellbeing, policies, and regulations on digital citizenship. Concurrently, we witness a surge in youth-led initiatives that advocate for digital citizenship, underscoring the necessity for collective wisdom and mutual cooperation in navigating this emerging digital landscape.

Throughout this symposium, I urge all attendees to actively engage in thoughtful discussions on these complex issues, promoting discourse and collectively devising solutions. It is vital to recognize that despite the seemingly vast and impersonal nature of our digital world, it remains a construct of our shared human experience.

I am confident that this symposium will serve as a dynamic forum for provoking thought-provoking dialogues, challenging existing paradigms, and promoting a sense of global digital citizenship. As we traverse the digital era, the understanding and practice of values such as empathy, respect, and collaboration become increasingly critical. Let us harness this opportunity to learn from one another and strive towards a digital world that is safe, inclusive, and mutually beneficial.

I anticipate that this symposium will not only inspire you but also equip you with the requisite tools to effect positive change in our rapidly evolving digital society. I wish you an intellectually stimulating and rewarding experience.

July 26th 2023

Cho, Gye-seong Principal of Hana Academy Seoul