ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea, UN Pakistan and the Korean Cultural Association on Wednesday hosted the Hanbok Fashion Gala Show and the Youth of the World: Flag Parade at the Serena Hotel.

A runway graced the centre of the Shamadan Hall and hundreds of guests attended the showcase of brightly coloured Korean traditional costumes accompanied by ornate accessories, head dresses and hair pins.

Ambassador Jong Hwan Song applauded the events.

The ambassador ‘sees the Miracle of the Han River’ — a phrase used for the burgeoning economic growth in South Korea for over three decades and said that there was no reason why a similar miracle could not take place along the Indus.

Dr Song said: “October has been labeled the Korean Month by the embassy and some 20 functions have been scheduled for this month. October 3 is the Korea National Foundation Day which commemorates the legendary founding of the Korean nation in 2333 BC by Tangun, almost 5,000 years ago.”

He added: “We have a double reason to celebrate, as the UN is celebrating its 70th anniversary this month. The United Nations played a key role in the establishment of the Korean government and it is with great pride that Korea honours the old association by actively participating in peacekeeping missions.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Pakistan Neil Buhne said: “This wonderful show gave us an opportunity to share in the richness of the culture of Korea — a country with one of the closest associations with the UN.”

He added: “The United Nations played a significant role in supporting Ban Ki-moon’s family, community and country and it is fitting that today he is the secretary general of that organisation.”

Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry thanked Dr Song for his work as an ambassador and said: “This is reflective of the greatness of Korea.”

“The UN has come a long way and its contributions today are diverse and tangible. With the Sustainable Development Goals the UN has clearly placed the principles of inclusion and sustainability in the forefront as we confront the big issues facing the world today.”

In an effort to highlight the importance of young people to the United Nations and the greater significance of children in Pakistan, children from various missions held aloft national flags of the global community and the preamble of the Charter of the UN was read aloud.

UN Information Centre director Vittorio Cammarota said: “This event highlights the importance of young people to the United Nations. Young people will drive Pakistan’s future, its growth and its development. They will be a central resource to this country.”

Luqman Afzal said: “It was a very well organised and well attended function. We saw a glimpse of Korean culture. Korea is helping us greatly in the power sector and the way they have progressed in the last two decades should be an inspiration for all the growing economies.”

Published in Dawn, October 15th, 2015

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