Six Party Talks

Honorable chairs and esteemed delegates,

My name is Robin Lee, a rising senior at Korea International School, and it is my honor to serve as the President of the Six Party Talks at SEOMUN XXV. 

This year, the overarching theme of our conference is Bonds of Unity. The Six Party Talks has played a vital role in paving a path for multilateral diplomacy and negotiations, even between countries with drastically different policy goals and agendas. Of course, this role is a complex one: the Six Party Talks must bear in mind the competing notions of understanding with decisiveness, national sovereignty with international action. But it is this balancing act that lends meaning to the mission of the Six Party Talks in promoting diplomacy and concrete solutions to the crises that loom over East Asia.

At SEOMUN XXV, the Six Party Talks will focus on three agendas: negotiating an end to the Korean War, resolving political tensions between the Republic of Korea and Japan, and implementing measures to prevent the escalation of territorial disputes in East Asia. The Korean War, which experienced a ceasefire in 1953 but has still officially persisted since then, poses a major diplomatic challenge to the nations of the Six Party Talks, and has complicated negotiations over denuclearization and potential reunification. The ROK and Japan, despite being mutual allies of the United States, maintain a frosty diplomatic relationship over historical injustices such as comfort women, the Dokdo dispute, and the conflict over naming the East Sea/Sea of Japan. Finally, numerous territorial disputes, including those over the Senkaku Islands, Dokdo, the Kuril Islands, and the South China Sea continue to threaten diplomatic ties in the region.

It is my sincerest hope that before, during, and after this conference, all delegates earnestly ask themselves what the theme “Bonds of Unity” means, not just for the agendas of the conference, but for all the afflictions that threaten and will threaten our world. Whether it manifests itself in impassioned speeches, thoughtful amendments, or lively debate, I hope that all delegates can express their ideas and opinions without fear.

See you all soon.

Sincerely,

Robin Lee

President of Six Party Talks