NEAR news vol.71th(ENG)

NEAR One Northeast Asia Region, One Community NEAR November-December 2016

Vol.

News

71

Grand Award Winning Art Work of the 4th NEAR Youth Contest

NEAR This Month

NEAR Activities I Secretariat News I NEAR Member News I NEAR Member Event Schedule

Feature Report The 11th NEAR General Assembly I Testimonies on 2016 Northeast Asia Youth Leaders Forum The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces (Art · Poster)

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

NEAR News

“NEAR News� was launched in 2005 to serve as a messenger between NEAR member regions and promote sharing of information. The bi-monthly magazine is published and distributed to NEAR members and other relevant organizations free of charge, containing information on NEAR activities, news from members, international issues, contributions and announcements (also available free at http://www.neargov.org). You can take part in creating NEAR News anytime by contributing articles and creative ideas (Contact the NEAR Secretariat).

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The 11th NEAR General Assembly - Cultural Tour to Taltsy Museum

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NEAR is... a representative regional diplomacy cooperation and international organization by 82 regional governments (77 member regions and 5 observers) in 6 Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, Russia, North Korea, and Mongolia.

Since the adoption of the NEAR Charter based on mutual prosperity, NEAR has carried out extensive exchange and cooperation projects in various fields ranging from economy and humanities exchange, education & cultural exchange, environment, disaster prevention, cross-border cooperation, science & technology, ocean & fisheries, tourism, mineral resources development & coordination, energy & climate change, women & children, bio-medical industry to agriculture.

Partnering with and promoting joint projects by strengthening the exchange with international organizations such as AER (The Assembly of European Regions), the largest independent network of regional authorities in Europe, R-20 (Regions of Climate Action), and ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives), NEAR takes the lead in building an international cooperative network communicating with the world beyond Northeast Asia.

NEAR is open to all.

Any local government located in the Northeast Asian region sharing the founding purpose of NEAR can join us through the NEAR General Assembly.

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

NEAR This Month

NEAR Activities

NEAR Activities The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Results The NEAR Secretariat held the 4th Youth Essay · Art Contest and 93 entrees were submitted. After a thorough evaluation process by the panel of judges, the recipients of the awards were announced. The Grand Award for the essay section was awarded to Bae Ga-hyun from Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Korea, and for the art section, to Markov Sayyyna from Republic of Sakha, Russia.The award ceremony was held on the 22nd of for the Korean award receivers of the 4th NEAR Youth Essay · Art Contest. The NEAR Secretary-General Jun Jae-won presented the Grand Award to Bae Ga-hyun for the essay section of the contest and the Excellence Award was presented to Hwang Min-ji for the art section of the contest.This year marks the 4th NEAR Youth Contest since it began in 2013 and the addition of the art section. It is open to young people aged 14 to 18 from NEAR member regions.

2016 NEAR International Forum (Nov. 25-26) The NEAR International Forum will be held from November 25 to 26 in Andong Grand Hotel. Under this year’s theme, ‘Cooperation and Co-prosperity in Northeast Asia through Tourism,’ approximately 300 participants including public officers, experts from member regions and related organizations are expected to attend the forum.

Under the themes of ‘Tourism and Regional Development’, ‘Sustainable Tourism and International Cooperation‘, and ‘Northeast Asia Mutual Cooperation in Northeast Asia’, specialists from each country will present and hold discussions on each topic.

This year, a promotion booth will be provided which will allow member regions to promote their tourism activities.

The 11th NEAR General Assembly The 11th NEAR General Assembly was held in Irkutsk Region, Russia, from September 27 to 28. The meeting was attended by 150 representatives from 30 members across 5 countries, namely, China, Japan, ROK, Mongolia, and Russia.

At the meeting, 4 regions were newly registered: Shaanxi Province, Neimenggu Autonomous Region, Shanxi Province, and Anhui Province. Reformation of the NEAR Charter regarding the membership fee system and associate membership was introduced, along with the transfer of coordinatorship of the sub-committee on Energy and Climate Change for revitalization. Following the meeting, the 20th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony was held in the National Philharmonic Theatre along with a photo exhibition and a recital of the Joint Declaration. The representatives at the ceremony took an oath on the Joint Declaration presenting the new vision of NEAR, followed by celebration shows by a performance team from Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and traditional art team from Irkutsk Region.

The Governor Sergey Levchenko from Irkutsk Region on his welcoming remark said that in its 20th year, NEAR will be promoting further mutual exchange and cooperation among the members for the sake of unity of the region. Secretary-General Jun Jae-won stated that NEAR has undertaken an important role in the exchange and cooperation between countries in the region, based on its founding spirit of reciprocity and equality, and that NEAR would continue to do its best to create an environment conducive to co-development.

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Accommodation and site visit fees will be covered for up to 3 participants from each member region. Please, refer to the webpage for more information on the International Forum.

Secretariat News

Secretariat News Attendance of the 6th UCLG ASPAC Congress On September 5, NEAR Secretary-General Jun Jae-won attended the UCLG ASPAC (United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific) Congress in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do Province, South Korea.

Shanxi Province will be joining NEAR as a new member at the General Assembly this September. The province has a shown high interest in the energy industry, registering to be the coordinator of the Sub-Committee on Energy and Climate Change.

Secretary-General Jun also held a meeting with Mr. Luo Qingyu, Vice-

Secretary-General Jun met with Ms. Bernadia Tjandradewi, Secretary-General

Governor of Shanxi Province, and held discussions on joining NEAR as a

of UCLG ASPAC and held discussions regarding cooperation between the two

member, in addition to various topics such as continuous economic cooperation

organizations

and cultural exchange.

UCLG is the biggest network among local governments, consisting of over 1000 regional governments of 136 countries, working as a platform for knowledge sharing and network building support, similar to the work of the United Nations, on a regional level.

Appointment of a New NEAR Foreign Staff from China The appointment ceremony of Shi Shu Yao from Jilin Province, China was held on September 9 at the NEAR Secretariat office. Ms.Shi Shu Yao will be in charge of opinion coordination and liaison among the member regions for a period of one year.

It is expected that she will be able to contribute actively to the secretariat owing to her knowledge of Korean culture and language.

Attendance of 2016 Taiyuan Energy Low Carbon Development Forum

NEAR Secretary-General Jun Jae-won attended 2016 Taiyuan Energy Low Carbon Development Forum and Taiyuan International Energy Industry Expo held in Shanxi Province, China, on September 7.

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NEAR Member News

NEAR Member News Japan - Ishikawa Prefecture The 29th JAPAN TENT

living standards, healthcare, and education environment. The seminar was well received by the attendees, who commented that they were able to acquire the latest overseas information. There are plans to hold another seminar covering China in December.

Since 1988, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan has been holding the ‘JAPAN TENT’

Other seminars for trade policies and business environments are scheduled to

event every summer. At this event, around 300 foreign students studying around

be held in Vietnam (October) and in Indonesia (December) in association with

Japan are invited to Ishikawa Prefecture for international exchange. The event

consulate generals in Japan. The seminars will encourage business firms

provides opportunities through homestay for foreign students, who are usually

entering overseas markets, as well as promoting local businesses and tourist

busy with studies, to share ideas on social issues, culture, and life. It also

attractions.

introduces various aspects of Japan via exchange with local people in Ishikawa Prefecture. So far, over 9,600 students from 166 countries and regions have participated in the event.

This summer, under the theme of ‘Loving Your Hometown’ held for 7 days from August 18, participants from 19 different cities and counties within the prefecture enjoyed exploring traditional culture and nature of Ishikawa Prefecture. Foreign students who participate in homestay with families experienced daily life in Japan, overcoming cultural and language barriers.

2017 marks the 30th anniversary of the event. Various groups of people including host families, staff from each city and county in Ishikawa Prefecture, and college students in the prefecture are actively taking part in preparing for next year’s ‘JAPAN TENT.’ If you, or any students you know of are currently in Japan, we ask you to encourage all to participate in next year’s ‘JAPAN TENT.’

South Korea - Sejong Special Autonomous City Food Truck Rally from All around Korea!

Photo credit: Evening News, Hokkoku Newspaper on August 18, 2016

Japan - Fukui Prefecture Safe Living Seminar held for Foreign Residents

The 2016 Sejong Food Truck Festival was held from October 7 to 9 at Sejong

The newly established International Economics Division has been promoting

Lake Park. The festival was organized by Sejong City in order to provide

overseas exchange on economy and friendship since the reorganization of Fukui

opportunities for youth entrepreneurship, job openings, and businesses with

Prefecture in April. Since it is important to have competitiveness on the global

small capital. 32 food trucks took part this year, a staggering increase from the

stage, the prefectural government has been increasing support for local

first festival held last year in 2015 in which 19 food trucks participated.

businesses in the region, and attracting overseas buyers to visit the prefecture. In

Various food trucks took part in this year’s festival, including the winner of the

addition, with Fukui International Association, various new programs are being

Mayor’s Award, Hungry Bear (Seoul) pizza shop, Churros Factory, a first food

conducted in Fukui Prefecture.

truck from Sejong, Gulbee Dakgangjeong (honey bee fried chicken with sauce)

One of the programs, ‘Safe Living Seminar for Foreign Residents (for Southeast Asia)’ was held in August. A speaker who was experienced in living abroad was invited and shared information on economic conditions and local

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from Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Snack Car selling hotdog sausages from Daegu, and Healing kitchens from Incheon, famous for its potato fries.

There was also a wide ranging menu; bbq, takoyaki, pizza, hot dogs, churros,

NEAR Member News

steaks, hamburgers, skewered chicken, pane soup, and drinks such as coffee.

The visitors were able to try over a hundred different Korean traditional street snacks such as Sundae (sausage), fried intestines, fish cakes, Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Ssiat Hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with sunflower seeds), buckwheat crepes, Susubukumi (pan-fried sorghum flour cake), and pork ribs, among others.

Moreover, along with the food truck rally, various cultural events such as classical music shows and buskers lead to highly satisfied visitors.

Mongolia - Khentii Province The 7th Mongolia∙China Press Forum The 7th Press Forum was held from August 19 to 21 in Chingis City, Khenti Province. Approximately 90 people, including high-level officials within the media community and non-governmental representatives participated in the forum and shared ideas under the theme of cooperation and exchange between

Mayor Lee Chunhee stated that last year was a big success, with 45% of the

Mongolia and China. 6 speakers gave speeches on international exchange

people of Sejong participating in the festival, helping to promote the local

cooperation among the different mediums of mass communication including

economy. He added that this year, the size of the festival had increased, as did

television, radio, newspapers, and e-magazines. Following the themed speeches,

the variety of the foods available.

the participants enjoyed free time at the Khar Zukni Khukh lake.

The 7th Forum was mainly about discussions surrounding the strengthening of

South Korea - Gangwondo Province

cooperation between Mongolian and Chinese media organizations. The next

Mindungsan Silver Grass Festival 2016

forum will be held in August 2017 in the region of Hohhot, Neimenggu Autonomous Region, China.

‘Mindungsan (Bare Mountain) Silver Grass Festival’ is held from September 24 to November 13 at Mindung Mountain in Jeongsun-gun (county), Gangwondo province. Boasting an elevation of 1,119m, the rounded, never-ending wilderness of Mt. Mindung covers an area of approximately 660,000㎡ and features blankets of silver grass which makes for a stunning view. It is one of the five most famous silver grass fields of Korea. The festival is aimed at making known the beautiful views of the mountain. A climbing competition is held and open to all mountain lovers who wish take part.

At a height of 1,119m, Mt. Mindung, like its name, which means ‘bare’, has no trees but the wide mountain ridges are covered in fields of silver grass.

Following the mountain ridge, one has to wade through the fields for 30 minutes to reach the summit.

The mountain owes its abundance of silver grass to the villagers who in the past burned the fields once a year to encourage the growth of mountain herbs.

The silver grass is also the subject of legend. Once upon a time, a lone horse descended from the heavens in search of its master. Since then, legend says that trees no longer grow in the region and only silver grass flourishes.

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NEAR Member Event Schedule

NEAR Member Event Schedule

November 2016. 11

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Tuesday

Wednesday

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Region : Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea Event : Daegu International Machinery Industry Expo 2016 When : Nov. 23-26 Where : Daegu Exhibition Convention Center(EXCO) Contact : (T) +82-53-6015229 DAMEX Secretariat

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Region : Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea th Event : The 5 Daegu International Robot Industry Expo When : Nov. 23-26 Where : Daegu Exhibition Convention Center(EXCO) Contact : ROBEX Secretariat (T) +82-53-601-5236 Secretariat of ROBEX (T) +82-53-601-5236 (W) http://www.robex. or.kr/eng/

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Friday Region : NEAR Secretariat Event : NEAR International Forum When : Nov. 25-26 Where : Andong Grand Hotel Contact : NEAR Secretariat (T)+82-54-223-2324 (F)+82-54-223-2307

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Region : Irkutsk Region, Russia Event : The 2nd Baikal International Cluster Forum When : Nov. 29-Dec. 1 Where : Irkutsk Region Contact : Division of of Economic Development, Irkutsk Region

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Region : Uvurkhangai Province, Mongolia Event : Ice challenge Competition When : Dec. 2-3 Where : Ulaantsut Galan Waterfall Contact : Government of Uvurkhangai Province (T) +976–99096911 (E) info@ uvurkhangaitravel.com (W) http://www. uvurkhangaitravel.com/ eng

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Region : Altai Territory, Russia Event : Altai Wintering Festival (Altai Territory, Russia) When : Dec. 8-11 Where : Altai Territory Contact : Government of Altai Territory (T/F) +7-3852-20-10-31 (E) priem@alttur2ru tourism22@mail.ru

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 71

The 11th NEAR General Assembly

Feature Report

The 11th NEAR General Assembly [The Declaration of the 11th NEAR General Assembly] The 11th NEAR General Assembly was held on September 27, in Irkutsk, Russia. Representatives and observers of the 30 member regions from five countries, China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, and Russia, and diplomats from South Korea, China, Mongolia, and North Korea attended the General Assembly.

The opening ceremony was followed by a report on the 10th NEAR Working Committee, Secretariat Activity, and Sub-committee meetings on Environment, Disaster Prevention, Educational & Cultural Exchange, and Mineral Resources Development during the first session. Incheon Metropolitan City, South Korea gave a presentation as a representative of member regions in which they introduced the ‘U-City’ project.

During the second session, there was discussion and approval of the agenda including: the approval of new members, selection of the next Chair, transfer of the Coordinator of Sub-committees, adoption of membership fee system rules, and revision of the Charter.

The following decisions were made at the General Assembly:

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

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The 11th NEAR General Assembly

1. Adoption of New Members

with the opinions of member regions, was approved. The membership fee will

The following four regions were accepted as new members of the Association

be evenly assigned to each member at US $1,000 a year. The new system will

of the Northeast Asia Regional Governments by unanimous consent: Shaanxi

come into force in 2018 and will be used to operate projects and programs for

Province, Neimenggu Autonomous Region, Shanxi Province, and Anhui

the co-prosperity of the association and the joint goals set by the members.

Province of the People’s Republic of China.

Furthermore, the cost of running the Secretariat will be continuously borne by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea.

2. Selection of the Next Chair of NEAR 5. Revision of NEAR Charter Hunan Province of the Democratic People’s Republic of China was chosen to be the next Chair of NEAR for two years. As the Chair of NEAR, Hunan Province will hold the 12th NEAR General Assembly in 2018. According to Chapter 10 of the NEAR Charter, the Working Committee will also be held in

To respond effectively to the current times and to promote of the status of the association, the Charter was partially revised at the General Assembly.

First, the Article 4 of the Charter (Membership Scope) was revised.

2017, in Hunan Province.

Furthermore, Clause 2 of Article 4, which addresses the adoption of associate

3. Transfer of Coordinator of Sub-committees

located in the outer region of Northeast Asia may take part in NEAR. Clause 2

members, was newly enacted so that metropolitan regional governments of Article 5 which addresses the Rights and Obligations of Associate Members Following a report by the NEAR secretariat addressing non-active Sub-

was also newly enacted.

committees on Energy and Climate Change, Cross-border Cooperation, and

Second, the ‘Structure of the General Assembly,’ Article 6 revised the use of

Women and Children, the decision to transfer the coordinator of the Sub-

the term ‘Representative,’ changing it to the ‘Head’ of the member regions, in

committee on Energy and Climate Change from Daegu Metropolitan City,

order to state more clearly the General Assembly’s role as the primary decision-

South Korea to Shanxi Province, China at the request of Shanxi Province was

making body of the association.

unanimously agreed to. The transfer of the two other coordinators will be decided at the 11th Working Committee in 2017.

It was also agreed that continuous effort would be made for the revitalization of Sub-committees for the development of the association.

4. Adoption of Rules for Membership Fee The membership fee system discussed at 10th Working Committee, together

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The 11th NEAR General Assembly

Cultural Tour The next day, the participants visited Taltsy Museum, Bikal Lake located in Irkutsk region in Russia, and experienced the traditional culture and nature of Russia.

Third, the Article 7 (Executives) was revised to give shape and make concrete the rules on the election of auditors.

Fourth, the ‘Approval of Items Decided by the Rules on Membership Fee’ was added to the ten existing functions of the General Assembly as delineated in Article 8 of the NEAR Charter and the Article 8 was reordered. Additionally, Article 9 was revised; clauses 1 to 5 shall be resolved by a two-third majority yes-vote among present members. The present members should constitute more than half of total voting members. Clauses 6 to 11 shall be resolved by more than half yes-votes among present members. The present members should constitute of more than half of total voting members.

Fifth, Clause 2 of Article 9 was newly enacted: In the years when the General Assembly is not held, “Decision Making of Membership and Associate Membership”, “Approval of Budgeting and Accounting and Planning”, and “Approval of Items Decided by the Rules on Membership Fee System” is to be delegated to the Working Committee which is able to approve decisions.

Sixth, following the decision to introduce membership fees, revisions were made to Article 15 of the NEAR Charter stating that ‘Members are not obliged to pay membership fee.’

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The 20th Anniversary Celebration of NEAR

The 20th Anniversary Celebration of NEAR

The 20th Anniversary Celebration Ceremony was held at the National Philharmonic Theatre. The participants viewed the promotion video in which the representatives of member organizations delivered congratulatory messages in celebration of the 20th anniversary of NEAR. A recital of the Joint Declaration by representatives from Jilin Province from China, Hyogo Prefecture from Japan, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province from South Korea, Dondgovi Province form Mongolia and Irkutsk Region from Russia followed. Afterwards, the Joint Declaration was delivered to the next Chair, Hunan Province from China, followed by a group photo session and celebratory performances

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2016 Northeast Asia Youth Leaders Forum: Testimonies

2016 Northeast Asia Youth Leaders Forum: Testimonies

China Bi Yibo, Renmin University of China It has been a great honor to attend the 2016 Northeast Asia Youth Leaders Forum. I give thanks to the Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments for providing a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange. The forum transcends national boundaries, allowing us the opportunity to overcome our differences and pursue convergence.

Over 6 short days, approximately 80 students from 5 different countries, China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia held discussions on 6 topics including politics, economics, humanities, natural resources, and the environment. What continues to be impressive to me is to see the passion of the participants who appeared to have long anticipated the forum, and especially as they greeted one another as young ‘delegates,’ representing each nation.

During my stay at Dongguk University, Gyeongju Campus, I felt as if I was in my hometown. One’s ‘hometown’ is not limited to one’s mother country. I want to encourage the young leaders to create networks in the future among people from each nation in Northeast Asia for further cooperation and development. In Gyeongsangbukdo Province, summer 2016, I earned friendship. Whether friends from Korea or brothers from Mongolia, we treated one another warmly and sincerely. Even when holding passionate discussions, we continued to build up our friendship. In Korea, a very friendly country, I gained good memories of August, 2016, which still remain beautiful: the stillness of Bulguksa-temple, a lively port along Pohang City, varied and delicious food.

My continuing hope is that all young leaders in Northeast Asia would continue to grow so that they may become influential figures for the development of the region.

Lastly, I hope for the continual development of NEAR, and I wish NEAR the best.

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2016 Northeast Asia Youth Leaders Forum: Testimonies

South Korea Jung Jae-won, Department of Korean Language and Literature, Dongguk University Already about a month has passed since the end of the Forum, but I still receive messages on my SNS timeline from other participants saying how much they cherish the memories in Korea and the warm hearted people. Passing through the corridors of my school, I recognized someone I had met at the forum. We greeted each other warmly, still wearing the uniform shirts we had received at the Forum, saying how we missed it. August was explosive and dynamic, like summer fireworks. It took a while to for me to simmer down. It was amazing to think that for many, the Forum remained an unforgettable event.

I was assigned to team A and we were instructed to discuss the topic ‘Development of Northeast Asia through Cultural Diversity.’ As it was my first forum and I was not accompanied by anyone I knew, I was nervous and so made a lot of preparations. When I first received the topic, it was broad and I was not sure what to do. There were so many solutions to suggest and directions in which we could approach the topic that it was difficult to determine what to do. Our first meeting was quiet and a little awkward as we wondered how to start off the discussion. Nevertheless, we started by taking baby steps, aiming to work in rhythm with one another until we were able to complete the presentation. The result aside, as our first team accomplishment, it was deeply meaningful.

Participating to the forum, we were able to spend time with people from Russia, Mongolia, China, South Korea and Japan. We made unforgettable memories and precious friends as we visited sites around Gyeongju and Pohang, trying delicious food, dancing and singing together. Furthermore, at the Forum, we were able to encounter multicultural perspectives through mutual discussion and exchange with participants from different nations. Finally, I wish to express my deep gratitude to my school and the NEAR Secretariat for providing us with a great opportunity to participate in this Forum which was held for the first time this year, and was a great success. I look forward to future forums, which I believe will be just as great.

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NEAR NEWS Vol. 71

2016 Northeast Asia Youth Leaders Forum: Testimonies

Mongolia

Russia

NAMSAN MARAL-ERDENE, UVS Province, Mongolia

Alex Mostovshikov, Chairman of the Economic, Financial and Entrepreneurship Committee of Youth Parliament, Magadan Region, Russia

I am NAMSAN MARAL-ERDENE from UVS Province, Monogolia. I would like to share my impressions of the forum. As it was my first time

I was able to meet young leaders at the Youth Leaders Forum from

attending an international forum, I was able to make many friends and

Russia, China, South Korea, Mongolia, and Japan. We become friends and

gained many rich experiences.To be specific, with around 40 other

exchanged social network IDs. The main theme for the topic was

participants, I was assinged to Team E with 10 other participants from

‘Revitalizing Methods of Private Exchange among the Northeast Asia

Mongolia, Russia, Korea, and China. Even though we all had diffrent

Countries.’ I was able to share my idea of establishing the NEAR

views, we shared ideas on the given topic concerning co-prosperity of the

Association of Youth Entrepreneurship. Other team mates suggested

Northeast Asia with much enthusiasm. During the team meeting, the

‘Northeast Asia Free Trade Zone.’

participants experienced and learned how to deal with different ideas and to make friends with people from other countries.

In light of the threat of strategic power balance between the nations and the battle for information among the political elite, it is all the more

Besides the team discussion, the participants spent valuable time together,

important for there to be friendship among the nations all over the world,

visiting Youngildae Beach in Pohang, and Anapji and Bulguksa Temple in

including Northeast Asia. In order to strengthen friendship and cooperation

Gyeongju.

among the nations, we are required to know and understand one another’s

I think Forum was very well organized. For example, the forum

lives, history, and culture.

participants were assigned rooms with other participants from diffrent

Based on private exchange among Northeast Asian countries, we may be

countries which allowed the participants to grow in understanding of one

able to understand the characteristics and nature of each nation and see the

another.

difference in the information provided to the public through the media. As

Lastly, I would like to express my deep appreciation to the Secretariat of

the Russian saying goes, ‘Better to see something once than to hear it ten

the Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments and to the staff

times,’ it is important to learn about the status of each country directly,

working in connection with Mongolia.

rather than through information granted through the media.

Northeast Asian countries have greatly contributed to the strengthening of

Thank you.

world peace, preventing large scale wars and managing global terrorism.

Thus the nations must maintain friendly relationships in order to enhance mutual understanding through the sharing of experiences involving the various problem solving methods concerning cultural and economic exchange.

Among Northeast Asian countries, Magadan, Russia is a sister city to Tonghua, China. In order to develop a network and relationship between the two sister cities, it is important to visit one another often on the basis of the friendship already built.

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The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces (Art · Poster)

The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces (Art · Poster)

This year’s NEAR Youth Contest marked the 4th year of the contest which was started in 2013. The annual contest is open to youths aged from 14 to 18 from the member regions in Northeast Asia. This year, in addition to the former competition format which involved essay writing only, an art contest component was combined. Under the topics of ‘Culture of Northeast Asia,’ ‘Conservation of Cultural Heritage’ and ’Environmental Issues and Proposed Solutions in Northeast Asia,’ a total of 46 entrees from five countries submitted pieces to the art contest.

NEAR News introduces the award-winning art pieces!

Grand Award –

Markov Sayyna Berdigestyahskaya Middle School, Republic of Sakha, Russia Let’s Protect Our Nature

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The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces (Art · Poster)

Excellence Award –

Hwang Minji Geunhwa Girls’High School, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea Handing over Our Great Cultural Heritage to the Next Generation

Excellence Award –

Matsuoka Fuka, Yonago City Kamo Junior High School, Tottori Prefecture, Japan Let’s Dance! Let’s Enjoy the Nebuta Festival Altogether!

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The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces (Art · Poster)

Special Recognition Award –

Baofeng Yonghui, Jinan Youth Palace, Shandong Province, China Blue Water, Blue Sky

Special Recognition Award –

Vshivenko Elizaveta Children’s Creative Center, Khabarovsk Region, Russia Enough Fish for Everyone

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Special Recognition Award –

Munkhbat Enkhbaatar, Khentii Province, Mongolia Protection of Historical Cultural Heritage in Northeast Asia

Special Recognition Award –

Choi Jiwon, Suryun Middle School, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea Let’s Prevent Yellow Dust

The 4th NEAR Youth Contest Awarded Pieces (Art · Poster)

Special Recognition Award –

Qu Cengzhi, Jinan Youth Palace, Shandong Province, China The Civilization through Industry

Special Recognition Award –

Park Chaerin Yeongyang Girls’ Middle School, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea Our Beautiful Nation, South Korea

Special Recognition Award –

Grab Anastasiya, Regional Education Center, Khabarovsk Region, Russia My Hometown

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The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments

The Association of Northeast Asia Regional Governments (37668) 3F Pohang Technopark, #394 Jigok-ro (#601 Jigok-dong), Namgu, Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, ROK T. +82-54-223-2318 F. +82-54-223-2309 E-mail near@neargov.org Website www.neargov.org