On October 20, the NEAR Secretariat hosted an online meeting inviting the NEAR honorary ambassadors from Russian member regional governments.

The event was attended by five honorary ambassadors from five different Russian NEAR members, including the Altai Region, Irkutsk Region, the Republic of Sakha, Magadan Region, and the Republic of Khakassia. Five staff member from the Secretariat, including Secretary-general Kim Ok-chae participated in the meeting. They discussed ideas on methods of revitalizing the promotion of NEAR, followed by a Q and A session.

Mr. Kim said that ambassadors have played an essential role in promoting NEAR through activities. He also added that they are able to communicate the significance of NEAR’s activities directly with the general public by mediating between NEAR and the community. 

The ambassadors introduced activities to promote NEAR and referred to ways of cooperation with Russian members as well as other NEAR members through NEAR as a platform in the fields of education, research, and economics. They also responded that they would actively support the development of NEAR hereafter. 

The NEAR Secretariat first appointed local opinion leaders as NEAR honorary ambassadors in 2020. Currently, there are ten working honorary ambassadors from seven Russian member regional governments including the Altai Reigon, Irkutsk Region, the Republic of Sakha, Magadan Region, the Republic of Buryatia, and the Republic of Khakasia, and Primorsky Territory.