The 2016 World Cultural Camp of the International Youth Fellowship, a Christian-based global youth initiative, opened in Busan’s Haeundae Beach Sunday.

Some 4,000 university students from over 50 countries, about 30 ministers from 27 countries and the presidents of 23 universities attended the opening.

In its 19th edition, this year‘s camp is organized under the slogan “The Ship of Change.” The annual event takes place each summer and includes diverse programs such as lectures, cultural performances, expeditions, marathons and more.

Busan mayor Suh Byung-soo, Kiribati Vice President Kourabi Nenem and Callista Mutharika, former first lady and current presidential advisor of Malawi were also in attendance at Sunday’s opening ceremony.

Dance troops from China and Cote d’Ivoire followed with traditional performances, while Park Moon-taek, chairman of the IYF, gave an opening speech.

The Gracias Choir gave performances under the baton of Russian conductor Boris Abalyan and accompanied by pianist Igor Lebedyev. 

“I hope youths from different countries will communicate to become global leaders and creators of the world’s future,” said Suh in his welcoming speech.

“I hope that for two weeks the world’s youths will come together to share the burdens of the world,” said Lee Hae-dong, chairman of the Busan Metropolitan City Council.

Pastor Park Ock-soo, founder of the International Youth Fellowship, said that conflict between people arises because “we do not consider the thoughts and feelings of others,” and urged participants to come together through this event.

“Many youths who were previously addicted to drugs and games ... experienced big changes through the world camp. I hope the world’s youths will sleep in hope and awake in happiness through this camp,” Park said.

The Busan event is taking place for two weeks from July 3.

The International Youth Fellowship is a global organization dedicated to the spiritual, intellectual and emotional growth of young people around the world. It strives to advance Christian mission work in developed and developing countries, create international awareness of cultural exchange and administer alternative methods of post-secondary education.

“What our youths need are deeper, multidimensional views of the world and pure hearts ... in order to become leaders of the next generation,” pastor Park said.

By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)