Faces of Leadership

What or who inspires you in your work? 

I draw inspiration from a variety of sources, but currently, global challenges and purposeful colleagues stand out as my primary motivators. Embassies, including my own workplace, are often tasked with addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, inequality, and aging societies. Tackling these challenges demands collective action and diplomatic efforts toward shared goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and investing in healthcare infrastructure. As an innovation advisor, the opportunity to contribute to solving these pressing issues through science, technology, and innovation serves as a significant source of inspiration. This drive propels me to explore innovative solutions and partnerships. Along this journey, it also serves as a wellspring of inspiration to interact with people across various fields who strive to improve themselves and make a positive impact in their communities. I have been lucky to meet many colleagues who make continuous efforts to learn and grow and to enrich the lives of others. Their commitment encourages me to challenge myself and pursue my passions. 

What does being a "current or future leader" mean to you? 

Being a current or future leader entails significant responsibilities and offers opportunities for positive impact. To me, it means embodying qualities such as integrity, vision, and empathy; integrity stands out as paramount among these. Leaders must demonstrate honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all their actions. They should lead by example and uphold high moral and ethical standards, earning the trust and respect of their followers. Leaders should also have a clear vision of where they want to go and inspire others to join them on that journey. They should be able to articulate a compelling vision that motivates and guides their actions and the actions of those they lead. Moreover, effective leaders understand the perspectives, needs, and concerns of those they lead. They demonstrate empathy by listening actively, showing compassion, and considering the impact of their decisions on others.

What do you think is the role of civic and civil education in shaping citizens into leaders?

Civic and civil education play pivotal roles in cultivating citizens into leaders with the qualities of integrity, vision, and empathy. In general, such education instills an understanding of citizenship rights and responsibilities, encouraging individuals to actively participate in their communities and society. By learning about democratic principles, governance structures, and civic institutions, citizens are empowered to engage in informed decision-making and contribute to the common good. This process will be a great starting point for citizens to hone their leadership skills. Additionally, civic education nurtures critical thinking and reasoned debate, which are essential for setting clear visions and goals. In an increasingly interconnected world, civic education promotes empathy, understanding, and respect for diverse cultures, identities, and lived experiences. Through learning about the histories, struggles, and contributions of different groups, individuals develop empathy and appreciation for the perspectives of others, fostering inclusivity and solidarity across differences.

What or who inspires you in your work?

Humanity, people, art, culture, film, [and] social justice especially, which is all connected to each other. I am really enjoying the aspect of being a part of a larger community so that our stories have power and that we can share our stories because that's the foundation for moving forward.

What or who inspires you in your work?

What inspires me every day is education, of course. But also what is in the education is children and young people. Especially thinking that there's one planet for all of us and we should take care of it. That inspires me every day [through the] single small things that I do that impact the whole world.

What or who inspires you in your work? 

I was born in Korea in 1956, three years after the end of the Korean War. The country was one of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in the world. During elementary school, the country was so poor that we had corn bread supplied by the US for lunch. Despite the poverty, I grew up with curiosity for other countries and cultures as well as an interest in the UN through UN Day events. It was my destiny that led me to join the Korean National Commission for UNESCO after graduating from university. I worked there for 30 years. Over three decades, Korea made a quantum jump from a developing country to an advanced one. Simultaneously, Korea has increased its role in international organizations. I had the opportunity to work at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris and the Regional Office in Bangkok. In September 2012, Ban Ki-moon, the 8th UN Secretary-General, initiated fostering global citizenship. At the end of that year, I was appointed as the Director of the Asia Pacific Center of Education for International Understanding (APCEIU). I wanted to incorporate Global Citizenship Education (GCED) into the upcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From 2013 to 2015, I worked for three years and successfully included GCED in SDG 4.7.

What does being a "current or future leader" mean to you? 

The complex crises of today include climate change crises, [nuclear] war crises, and more. These complex crises cannot be solved by the power of one country alone. It is only through global cooperation that we can overcome these crises. Therefore, a true leader, whether present or future, is someone who recognizes that humanity is a shared destiny living together on this small planet.

What do you think is the role of civic and civil education in shaping citizens into leaders?

Teaching that 21st-century humanity shares a common destiny as inhabitants of this small global village is a role that only civic and civil education, including GCED, can fulfill. Civic and civil education is the key to enabling both current and future generations to live sustainably on this planet by accessing clean water and breathing clean air. Moreover, it serves as an education that fosters human solidarity, cooperation, and world peace in today's conflict-ridden world.

What or who inspires you in your work?

I'm a co-founder and co-head of Liceum Artes Liberales in Warsaw, Poland, a high school that we created a few years ago. The thing that attracts me to running a high school and in education is the ability to make a lasting change. I strongly believe that through education, we can equip people to be able to solve the problems of tomorrow in a way that is lasting, powerful, and it's their own. This is so attractive that I cannot imagine doing anything else.

What or who inspires you in your work?

Collaborating with ordinary people always inspires me in my work on peace research and projects. Although they are often viewed as marginalized or weak, I have found that they have the potential for transformation for a better society. I have learned that this potential is constructed with their wisdom and values that have developed based on their own experiences. Given the importance of the narratives of ordinary people, I have been engaging in research on peace experienced and perceived by the so-called marginalized in society. It is wonderful for me to have the opportunity to learn from and work with them.

What does being a "current or future leader" mean to you?

I believe that leadership can be achieved through balanced perspectives and practices. A leader should appreciate the significance of both intellectual and emotional aspects when collaborating with others. A leader must possess a sense of responsibility for the tasks they lead while also creating opportunities for active engagement from those with whom they work. Striving to achieve desired results through strategic efforts is essential, yet equally critical is utilizing the work as a learning process. In my view, a good leader embodies the principle of these balances.

What do you think is the role of civic and civil education in shaping citizens into leaders?

I believe that civic and civil education can provide citizens with the opportunity to develop balanced views of the world and people, [which are] essential qualities for leaders. It can play a pivotal role in fostering generosity by cultivating appreciation for various capacities, encompassing not only technical skills but also essential emotional skills like empathy. Furthermore, it can contribute to learning about taking responsibility as a member of society and finding joy in the process of transformation together. These contributions are possible because civic and civil education fundamentally rests on the perspective of people as agents with agency, capable of driving change.

What or who inspires you in your work?

I work with adolescent girls to increase their civic and political participation and engagement... The girls I work with, from the ages of 14 to 20, really inspire me. They teach me new things every day and really keep me going. They inspire me every single day.