Do you know about UFFANS(University Forum of Foreign Affairs & National Security)? It may be unfamiliar to some but it is well known to people who are concerned with diplomacy. UFFANS is a nongovernmental organization (NGO). It’s a diplomatic and academic society of college students, which offers special lectures regularly, conversations with diplomats, and volunteer work. It also sponsors academic programs to introduce Korea to the world, recognize Korea’s position in the world and to understand international relations.

UFFANS consists of about 140 undergraduate students and graduate school students from local and foreign universities. It was launched on the basis of a common focus and vision concerning trade, diplomacy, security and international relations. The matrix of this organization is the Workshop of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade which was started in 2004, and which is held 4 times a year during every summer and winter vacation. For one week, participants of UFFANS meet to exchange opinions.

The Workshop courses are on the North Korean nuclear issue, missile, FTA, environmental problem, human rights and so on. Participants listen to a lecture and have time for discussion. They learn and practice the theory of international conferences. Instruction starts from 9 am to 5 pm for one week. It is very hard physically but very profitable because they gain a lot of knowledge and fresh opinions. This workshop program is the only way to become a member of UFFANS, so every candidate has to complete it.

The 8th delegation will administer UFFANS this semester. They were invited to an exchange section of Korea-Indonesia, ‘the five cardinal colors of Indonesia’, last Sept. 29. Students from Indonesia were invited by the embassy in person. The event was conducted in English. Its purpose was to promote better understanding between Korean and Indonesian students. UFFANS was invited there owing to its past activity of nongovernmental diplomacy.

The 7th delegation was about Visiting World Cultural Heritage with Foreign students. It was designed to introduce a World Cultural Heritage, the Changdeok Palace, and to introduce Korea’s culture while increasing comprehensive understanding among the students. Such events at the invitation of an embassy are very valuable and instructive for both foreign students and UFFANS.

Members of UFFANS do a variety of activities in addition to the regular semester. It may be seem as a burden, but it is truly beneficial. Current UFFANS president Park Mi-kyoung said, “Former president Yang Mi-young and I can take charge of our important duties in spite of this being our last semester. Our activity isn’t a burden for us, and it gives us merits to carry on.” The 8th delegation is mostly composed of students in their last semester.

Members of UFFANS undergo these valuable experiences personally while they are college students. President of UFFANS Park Mi Kyoung said, “If you have an interest in diplomatic relations, it would be very worthwhile to join us with your passion. UFFANS is a precious association which leads changes in promoting Korea to the world through nongovernmental diplomacy, and understanding international relations through special lectures from college students’ small action.”

UFFANS is not a large scale organization like VANK, which is involved in solving the Dokdo problem and the East Sea problem, but it will become a meaningful organization for college students who want to get to know Korea as it relates to the world and promote it accurately as well.

THE KOOKMIN REVIEW No.214