Why COVID-19 could signal change on the Korean peninsula
The pandemic poses challenges for both Koreas in a changed global economy, presenting an opportunity to seek bold new initiatives.
The Korean Peninsula contains one of the most significant geopolitical challenges in the world today. A positive outcome could see dramatic life improvements for millions of North Koreans, as well as longer-term stability in the region. International efforts, including those that led to historic Inter-Korean and US-DPRK Summits, are now seeing progress overturned on peace and denuclearization, as well as a renewed escalation of tensions. The Global Future Council on the Korean Peninsula will continue to investigate how to contribute to the diplomatic process and raise public awareness of the optimal ways to maintain international pressure for North Korea’s denuclearization without sacrificing civilian lives and livelihoods. Working closely with all stakeholders, the council will work on a wide range of ideas, such as connecting specific communities; capacity-building initiatives; research and roadmap development; and high-level meetings to find ways to rebuild the North Korean economy and reintegrate it into the global system.
Co-chairs
Council Manager:
Joo-Ok Lee, Head of the Regional Agenda, Asia-Pacific, World Economic Forum
The pandemic poses challenges for both Koreas in a changed global economy, presenting an opportunity to seek bold new initiatives.
The new US administration should help North and South Korea to cooperate as a crucial foundation for building trust.
In 2017, North Korea seemed to be on the brink of war. Now, the threat has diminished and even promises to become an opportunity.