Dear Friends of Asia's Future Initiative,

The twenty-first century is said to be Asia's era. On the other hand Asia houses as many as 3.79 billions of people, about 60% of the world population, and most dynamic and fast-growing eco-nomies in the world, but on the other Asia meets the most serious political conflicts, military disputes, and environmental challenges. It means that Asia becomes the continent which affects the world most in a good or bad sense.
Therefore securing Asia’s bright future is, I would say, a key to world peace and development, not to mention prosperity in North-east Asia including Korea.
Asia’s Future Initiative is taking a brave step toward Asia’s peaceful and joyful future, although it is modest at this moment of beginning. People of AFI pursue it with three key words: Peace, Culture, and Youth.
Asia’s peace has always been fragile whether it is due to strife for hegemony among super powers or ethnic conflicts. As we experience with disputes in Middle East, if peace in Asia is broken, the whole world becomes terrified.
People of AFI imagine that peace can be pursued through cooperation and solidarity among ordinary countries and people besides balance of power or compromise among super powers. Ordinary Asians, I mean, may have their own voice in politics of peace in this tightly networked world.
I believe that solidarity among ordinary Asians can be effectively formed through mutual under-standing between different ethnic groups, which may be achieved through cultural exchange. It is time for Asians to turn their eyes to Asian neighbors instead of looking to Westerners. In other worlds, Asians should choose their futures on their own.
I do not suppose that it could be done overnight. Thus solidarity among young Asians is, I think, immeasurably precious. I find possibility of peace and co-prosperity in Asia among Asian youth that is not captured by long-lasting misunderstanding and grudge.
Asia’s Future Initiative intends to be drumbeat to promote peace, cultural exchange, and solidarity of youth in Asia. AFI has just taken off. I cordially invite you to join and support our initiative.
Dreaming Peaceful and Joyful Asia,

October 9, 2006
Young-Min Yun
Chairman, Board of Trustees