The NEAR Secretariat hosts the NEAR Young Leaders Forum 2023 for college undergraduate and graduate students from six countries: China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Russia, and Vietnam under the theme of “international exchange and cooperation.” between July 31 and August 11, 2023. 

Suspended over the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed only this year, it is quite meaningful to hold the NEAR Young Leaders Forum 2023 in the metaverse paradoxically ahead of others by utilizing the cutting-edge technology so as to embody the real world in a virtual space.   

Through the NEAR Young Leaders Forum 2023, the NEAR Secretariat plans to help over 200 young adults gather together in the Metaverse with their own avatars to discuss regional peace and common development and exchange so as for them to become the leaders of the next generation in the field of international exchange and cooperation.

m Time and Venue

1)      Online: Monday, July 31 – Friday, August 11, 2023 (Metaverse Forum)

2)      Offline: Tuesday, September 19 – Friday, September 22, 2023 (Award Ceremony at the Secretariat)

m Eligible Participants :

1)     About 200 persons from six countries: China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Russia, and Vietnam

2)     Undergraduate/graduate and domestic/international students  residing in or attending schools in NEAR members/associate members/observers(final decisions to be made by the Secretariat)

3)     English speakers and Metaverse users

m Theme: International Exchange & Cooperation

m Sub-topics: 1) Education 2) Culture⋅Tourism 3) Environment 4) Policies for Young Adults (jobs, marriage, housing, etc.)

m Awards

1)  Best Forum Team (up to 26 persons)  

- invitation to the NEAR Secretariat

ㆍairfare up to KRW 1 million (for international participants)

ㆍKRW .5 million cash award (for local participants)

ㆍfree housing and meals (for three nights)

- participation in local activities

- trip to Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea

2) Best Cultural Exchange Presenting Team (up to 26 persons), 3 Best Performers: gifts will sent

            3) Certificates of Completion (PDF) for all participants

m Application

1)  Deadline: Friday, June 23, 2023

2)  Announcement of Participants: Friday, June 30, 2023

3)  Fill out the Google form (QR-code);
or send an application (on the top) to near_korea@naver.com