Welcome Address

Hello, Scout Members!

Young people travelling on a tight budget often say, "When can I do this again? It's now or never!" Some of them go to a really rugged, hard-to-reach place, others start on a trip without making definite plans or reservations, or they may leave all by themselves.  We older people get worried when we see such people.  We feel concerned because they might run into all kinds of difficulties on the way, but then it quickly turns into envy.  We envy them because we know that they will enjoy it and become more mature thanks to the experience─though you may not think so when you are arguing with your parents.

Older people are generous to the youths and always try to support them. You may have noticed it already when you were plodding alone in a strange place and met an adult.  He came to help you or offered you something to eat.  Older people love to help and support the young since they used to be young and they know that you will be an adult in the future.  Once you pass your enthusiastic youth, you will someday find out that you have become a grown-up who should lead new young people.

Wonkwang University was established 62 years ago to disseminate the founding principles of Won Buddhism. We've been teaching students to live peacefully with people with different cultural, religious, and ideological backgrounds, to resolve these differences without violent confrontations.

There are over 3000 different cultures in this world. In order to live in harmony with each other, we need to learn how to respect and embrace other cultures.  We should acknowledge and appreciate people who speak other languages, eat other kinds of food, and have different ways of life.  Those of us who accept and respect diversity have larger perspectives and make greater progress, and we learn it only through personal experience.

It is a great joy to have the 10th World Scout Youth Forum at Wonkwang University because I know it will provide you, Scouts from around the world, a best venue to have just such an enriching experience.  I hope the event will have a positive impact on your life as you discuss current world issues, and exchange your ideas and experiences with other participants.  Young people can change the world and create a better future.  Your devotion and intelligence will contribute to keeping our planet clean, safe, and making it a place where people respect and care for others.

I hope your time here at Wonkwang University lives on in your memory as one of joy and friendship. Thank you.