The opening ceremony of the 2017 World Culture Camp -- held with 4,000 domestic and foreign youths and public figures -- was held Sunday at a special stage on Haeundae beach in Busan.

About 40,000 people attended the ceremony for the event, which marks its 20th anniversary and will be from July 2-13. The annual event is hosted each July by the International Youth Fellowship. 

Busan Mayor Seo Byeong-su and other officials from the metropolitan government joined the opening ceremony, as did education and youth ministers from 20 nations and 60 university presidents from 25 nations.

The ceremony began with traditional dances showing the culture of different countries across the globe, including Finland, Benin, Philippine, the US, and China.

Following the dances, were the welcoming messages of IYF Chairman Park Moon-Taek and Seo.

“I truly welcome the 4,000 youths and ministers from abroad who have come to the IYF World Culture Camp opening ceremony at Haeundae, Busan.” said Seo. “Through the World Culture Camp, I hope you make a peaceful and prosperous global village without war and conflict with your hands.”

A congratulatory message from the Minister of Education of Ethiopia Shiferaw Teklemariam Menbacho, and words of encouragement of World Education Leaders Forum Chairman of Committee Kim Sang-Yong followed.

Musicians such as first prize winner of Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition, pianist Mikhail Benediktov; former first-chair flutist of London Syphony Orchestra, Paul Edmund Davis; and first prize winner of Jascha Heifetz International Violin Competition, violinist Chingiz Osmanov performed in the Gracias Special Concert that followed.

The Gracias Choir performed a series of musical and opera numbers and other songs such as “Fruhlingstimmen Walzer,” “I shall live in Cheongsan,” “Nessun Dorma,” “Baby Lives In The Island” and “Amazing Grace.”

There was also a special performances of the prize winners from 2017 World Cultural Dance Festival at the ceremony.

“The whole world is concerned about youth problems. Although youths do not want to take drugs, they do not want to gamble, and they do not want to play games, the problem is that they do not have the strength to overcome that mind. The IYF does not simply say ‘Do not take drugs’ or ‘Do not play games.’ Instead, it helps them to have a new mind,” said IYF founder Park Ock-soo. “Through this camp, I hope everyone has a happy time as you accept the minds of others.”

The annual camp includes programs such as performances by established musicians, lectures, cultural performances, tourist attractions, a half-marathon and other sports activities and learning experiences.

During the camp, other youth-related forums such as the World Minister of Youth Forum, World Education Leaders Forum, and Leaders Conference will be held.


By Yoon Min-sik
(minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)