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This year marks the 3rd International NGO History Forum whose aim is to promote global peace and co-prosperity through historical reconciliation. Under the theme of "history education," the event served as an opportunity to take a leap towards historical reconciliation in East Asia via history and peace education. On August 11 when the preparation for the Forum was in full swing, this writer met with lawyer PARK Wonchul, the co-chairman of the Forum.

Q. The 3rd International NGO History Forum is held this year. How do you feel?

Preparing and hosting the event every year, I feel that the International NGO History Forum is continuously growing. I am very glad that foreign participants as well as domestic ones take part in the Forum so actively that it is very likely for citizen social groups around the world to build up an international network.

Q. What is the difference between the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Forums? What is the most important thing in this year's event?

The 1st and 2nd events were held in the initial stage to launch the International NGO History Forum that brought together history-related citizen social groups. So rather than encouraging intensive discussions, we strived to create a festival atmosphere in which citizen social organizations can gather together and bring up various topics. We confirmed the big interest and support of the participants during the two previous events. And the 3rd Forum was intended to specialize the topics. This year's theme is "history education." This Forum focuses on history education for the next generation and peace education in particular which is drawing attention on the global stage.

Q. You have served as co-chairman of the Forum since last year. How would you evaluate the results of the International NGO History Forum?

The Forum had significant meanings in that it began to engage with citizen groups at home and abroad in many ways; it was started as a model for public-private partnership, funded by the Northeast Asian History Foundation; it tried participatory programs like exhibitions and to-do events; and it boosted citizens' participation. But it had some limits too. At the 1st and 2nd Forums, how to connect domestic and foreign citizen social groups was important, so that we put more emphasis on broad participation than detailed programs. Thus there was a lack of interconnectivity or integration. We will try to compensate for the insufficient factors at this year's Forum.

Q. Which program do you find the most interesting? What would you like to recommend at this year's Forum?

I would like to recommend two programs, "Lounge Talk" and "Moving History Class." Though they are not about intensive topic debates, the programs will provide a fresh approach to historical issues.

It is very difficult to put together renowned historians from home and abroad. So, I felt very sorry that there was nothing more than just some presentations. That's why the "Lounge Talk" was devised to create a channel through which opinions can be exchanged interactively. Each group will discuss various topics, so I hope anyone who is interested can have a chance to sit next to and talk with an expert.

Q. Despite your busy schedule as a lawyer, you have long kept close ties with the Young Korean Academy through diverse activities like serving as the director of the Headquarters of National Unification Movement of Young Korean Academy. What does the Academy mean to you?

Founded in 1913 by Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, the Young Korean Academy is celebrating its 100th anniversary soon. I was persuaded by one of my high-school seniors to join the Academy. While steadily carrying out many activities with the Academy, I have lived and thought based on Dosan's ideas. Therefore, I would say that the Academy is part of my life. Currently, the Academy consists of the Headquarters of National Unification Movement, Headquarters of Transparency Movement and Headquarters of Education Movement. I am in charge of the Headquarters of National Unification Movement. I think that unification is to transform the divided Korea into a completely independent nation. Intent on inheriting the wish of Dosan, I am vigorously engaging in unification movement.

Q. The Young Korean Academy focuses on educating the youth. What made you have interest in historical issues?

I got interested in historical matters and dedicated myself to civil movement due to China's Northest Project. I couldn't sit and watch the historical distortions strategically pursued by the Chinese government, so I mobilized like-minded people, set up meetings and conducted activities. Civil society organizations need to generate consensus among themselves, persuade governments and politicians all over the world and join force with civil society groups of other nations. I am sure that these are the best ways to rectify historical distortions, and achieve global peace and co-prosperity. With this in mind, the International NGO History Forum was organized.

Q. What plan are you formulating for the development of the International NGO History Forum?

The most imperative task is to develop a variety of topics every year. By doing so, I hope to open a conference where more civil society organizations and citizens participate and to develop a mainstream idea by disseminating the results of discussions. My another hope is that the International NGO History Forum, which was launched in Seoul, would lead to events in other nations and cities. I will do my best to realize these dreams.

Q. The International NGO History Forum is an important project for the Northeast Asian History Foundation too. Based on the experience from working with the Foundation, what advice would you give concerning a desirable relation and role between the civil society and the Foundation?

Civil society organizations should not forget to take a critical attitude toward the government and give their own voices, while the government should acknowledge the diversity of civil society groups and give support to them. To put it simply, the Foundation and the civil society must become partners with a critical attitude toward each other. Of course, it's not easy for both sides to utilize their strong points, cooperate with each other and maintain a good relationship. I hope the Foundation to establish various channels allowing itself to actively communicate with the civil society and help build up a balanced partnership.