"PyeongChang Forum for the Earth and its Citizens" Announced at UN, "Green Olympics" Legacy of Games in South Korea, North Korean Athletes Invited to Compete

NEW YORK, Dec. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Governor of Gangwon Province, South Korean host of the XXIII Winter Olympics 2018, announced today the formation of the annual PyeongChang Forum for the Earth and its Citizens that will create a dialogue with people around the world on the critical need for protection of the earth and its environment.  International leaders in earth science and education will participate in the first forum to be held in Seoul two days before the opening of the Games.  PyeongChang is the Olympic host city located in a mountainous region of Gangwon Province.

Governor Choi Moon-soon told a conference of UN and government officials and NGOs that he continues to hope that "the North Korean skaters who have qualified will come overland to join young athletes from around the world."  He said that his passionate desire is a peaceful interlude through sports and a legacy of environmental accountability.

In preparation for the Games, Gangwon Province created a system of sustainable management to minimize carbon emissions, build "green" event venues and recycling infrastructure, as well as construction of a high-speed railway linking Incehon Airport, Seoul and PyeongChang.  "Our province will benefit from these extraordinary initiatives by becoming a world-class tourism and sports hub for Asia," Governor Choi said. 

Participants on a panel discussion at the UN included Lee Sang-Mook, PhD from MIT, a leading voice in the Korean scientific community and, as a quadriplegic himself, an advocate for use of information and communication technology for the disabled. Dr. Lee is Chair of the Preparation Committee of the PyeongChang  Forum.

"Ordinary citizens of all countries must work together to achieve New Horizons for Sustainability, the theme of our Games," Governor Choi said, "so the mission of the Forum is to bring a message to people around the world, especially youth, that we are all connected through sports, the new world of IT, culture and education."

SOURCE Gangwon Province Republic of Korea