April is a beautiful month filled with fresh green leaves and colorful flowers in full bloom. 🍀

The WHRCF Secretariat has spent the month of April setting the overall framework for this year's Forum, starting with the confirmation of the Forum theme, followed by the concept note and official poster confirmation. Starting in May, we will finalize the detailed program and officially begin the invitation process of both domestic and international speakers.

In this month’s issue, we will share the direction of preparation for this year's official events, as well as the concept note and the poster, so make sure to stay tuned, and keep a close eye on our Newsletter until the Forum in October. 😊

Discussion on Official Events and Key Speakers

On April 4, the Planning Subcommittee meeting was held to finalize the Forum concept note and discuss the prospective speakers to be invited to the official events. The meeting started by revising and supplementing the concept note draft that was last edited at the International Steering Committee meeting held in March, followed by the discussion on keynote speakers for the Opening Ceremony and Plenary Session.

The main topic of discussion was who to invite as the keynote speaker for this year's Opening Ceremony and it was decided to select a speaker who is available to participate on-site, has a significant social presence, and possesses the ability to provide a comprehensive in-depth overview of the theme. In addition, as it has been decided to exclude the Roundtable and focus on the Plenary Session this year, three themes that should be the core of the session were selected and the discussion continued, focusing on the invitees who can share their insights and experiences on these themes.

For more information on the invitees and Plenary Session themes discussed during the Planning Subcommittee meeting, make sure to read the article on the link below.

The 14th WHRCF Concept Note and Official Poster Finalized

Civic space is an important foundation for people to actively participate in all political, economic, social, and cultural aspects of life, but in many parts of the world today, access to civic space is limited, undermining the fundamental human rights of participation, solidarity, and freedom.

Open civic spaces that allow for diverse participation contribute to a human rights city environment without discrimination where everyone is respected. This year's Forum will explore different ways to sustain and expand civic spaces, as well as share good practices related to civic spaces around the world.

You can find out more about the background of this year's theme, the main agenda, and much more by clicking on the Concept Note below.

May 18 Democratization Movement Anniversary Coming Up

Since the liberation of Korea on August 15, 1945, Korean people have continuously carried out democratization movements to regain their political, social, and economic freedoms that were violated under the military dictatorship. In 1980, the May 18 Democratization Movement in Gwangju was a turning point that reaffirmed the fact that the awakened people are the driving force behind the development of a democratic society, contributing significantly to the advancement of democracy, human rights, and peace in Korea.

The resistance, participation, sharing, and solidarity shown by the Korean people during the democratization process have been a great inspiration for pro-democracy movements around the world ever since the May 18 Movement.

In Gwangju, various events will be held to keep alive and remember the spirit of the May 18 Democratization Movement.

For more detailed information about May 18 and its commemoration, please check the website below.