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Enhancing the Role of Korea on the International Stage

In the spring, I participated in an intensive training program: the 26th session for international conference specialists. This three-week program was organized by the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security. After completing the course, I went on a field trip to Montreal, Canada, to attend an international conference-in this case a session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

International Civil Aviation Organization
On the morning of May 17, upon entering a Navigation Operation Meeting session of the ICAO, the chairman at the podium acknowledged the presence of our group of visitors from Korea. During the working session, the panel of 20 aviation professionals reviewed various texts, carefully going line by line of the wording projected on a large screen. I expected that there would be heated debate and disagreement. But this was not the case, as it seemed like this was similar to other international conferences which I had attended. One difference was that the members paid close attention to each word and phrase of various proposals. This kind of scrutiny was natural since the texts were related to aviation regulations and standards that would be enforced worldwide.
The ICAO is a U.N. organization that was established as part of the Chicago Agreement (December 7, 1944) to deal with matters related to international aviation. Currently, the ICAO membership consists of 189 countries. The ICAO is responsible for finalizing international agreements on aviation matters and working closely with individual governments. Above all, its top priority is to assure and promote the safety and development of civil aviation. The ICAO also strives to realize aviation that is more effective and economical. It is also involved with upgrading aircraft safety design and aviation technology. In addition, the organization oversees the standardization and integration of such areas as aircraft maintenance, in-flight staff training, communication regulations, airport facilities, and navigational technology. The ICAO also regularly distributes various research findings to its member countries.
Korea has been a member of the ICAO since 1952. In 2001, it was elected to a 36-member executive committee of the organization. Recently, a Korean aviation specialist was appointed to the navigation committee, one of its six subcommittees. Hereafter, Korea is entitled to actively participate in the decision-making process for critical policy matters. Korea maintains an extensive aviation infrastructure, of which Incheon International Airport is considered one of the crucial hubs of the air-travel industry of Northeast Asia. All these developments have enabled Korea to become an international aviation powerhouse. It pays an annual membership fee of $1.4 million, which is the 8th-highest amount.
However, it seems to me that Korea has yet to attain a status and role within the ICAO that is commensurate with its economic strength and membership standing. Korea should be able to play a more prominent role and voice its opinions more vigorously on the international stage, at the ICAO as well as other U.N. organizations.

International Conference Specialists
As for the training program, the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security organizes this course for government employees and staff members working in public-related areas, in order to help train and produce a pool of international conference specialists. In the future, these individuals will play key roles in dealing with conflict resolution and the promotion of cooperation and understanding in various areas involved with the international community.
The course was held at the institute building that happens to be right next door to the Korea Foundation office-my workplace. The training course included the participation of employees from various organizations, such as Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Bank of Korea, Seoul city government agencies, and the Foundation. Since everyone's work was related to the field of international affairs, the participants easily developed a close bond, which d a comfortable and cooperative atmosphere for the entire session. There was also a chance for everyone to share work-related experiences and know-how.
The training centered on three core courses: "Introduction to International Conferences," "Practices of International Conferences," and "Conference English." The training program was conducted from April 24 through May 12. In particular, I much appreciated the opportunity to acquire detailed knowledge of international conferences and enhance my work capability. And for this, as I pass by the institute building on my way to and from work, I fondly recall the camaraderie of the participants, with whom I might work with in the future.

ICAO Navigation Operation Meeting

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