List of G20 Sherpas

This is a list of the G20 Sherpas - or most of them and it will be up-dated as new information comes in. If you can fill in some of the missing information, then emailsherpa@sherpatimes.com . 
For those not familar with the term, a Sherpa is the President or Prime Minister's personal representative responsible for negotiating the outcome document at international events such as the G8 and G20. The Sherpa is usually a senior diplomat, civil servant or in some cases, politician. There are also Sous-Sherpas - usually a finance sous-sherpa and a foreign affairs sous-sherpa who report to the main Sherpa. There are also Yaks, but I am not sure what they are. 

Most G8 countries, except Canada, have only one Sherpa who deals with both the G8 and G20 negotiations. Canada has one Sherpa for the G20 (more senior) and one for the G8. 


G20/G8 Sherpa List

20^th October  2010

Country	Name & Position
Argentina	Sherpa: Mr Alfredo Chiaradía Argentinian Ambassador to the US Sous-Sherpa (Finance): Ministro Hugo Javier Gobbi EXPOSITOR
Australia	Gordon de Brouwer
Brazil	Ambassador Pedro Luiz Carneiro de Mendonça, Undersecretary-General for Economic and Technological Affairs,
Canada	Louis Lévesque, Deputy Minister of International Trade (G8 Sherpa: Gérald Cossette, Associate Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
China	Cui Tiankai Vice-Foreign Minister
EU	Joao Vale de Almeida
EU Chair
France	M. Levitte  - G8 Sherpa M. Musca -  G20 sherpa Delphine d’Amarzit  - sub Sherpa finances C. Masset - sub Sherpa foreign affairs
Germany	Mr. Jens Weidmann
India	Dr Montek Ahluwalia Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India & Sherpa for the G20 Summit
Indonesia	Mr. Mahendra Siregar Vice Minister of Trade Ministry of Trade - Indonesia
Italy	Bruno Archi Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister
Japan	Yoichi Otabe Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Mexico	Ambassador Lourdes Aranda Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs
Russia	Arkady Dvorkovich Aide to the President of the Russian Federation Administration of the President of the Russian Federation,
Saudi Arabia	Dr. Hamad Al Bazai Vice Minister of Finance
Spain
South Africa
South Korea	Changyong RHEE Presidential Committee for G-20 summit
Turkey	Mr.Hakk? Akil, Ambassador, Deputy Undersecretary for Economic Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
United Kingdom	Jon Cuncliffe UK Sherpa and Prime Minister’s Advisor on Europe and Global Issues
United States	Michael Froman Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economic Affairs
UN	Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Assistant Secretary General, United Nations Department for Social and Economic Affairs (DESA)
OECD	Ms. Gabriela Ramos
African Union
NEPAD
ASEAN

Academic Conference on Korea’s Nation Brand

The Presidential Council on Nation Branding held “The Academic Conference on Korea’s Nation Brand” on Wednesday, October 27 at the Grand Hilton Seoul.

Scholars and experts in a wide range of fields including journalism, marketing, management and North Korean studies gathered to discuss the effect of the G20 Seoul Summit and the recent situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea’s hereditary power succession on the South’s nation brand.

   

 

In her welcoming address Chairwoman Lee Bae-Yong of the Council expressed, “For the past 50 years since the Korean War, Korea has accomplished both astounding economic growth and democracy, which is nothing short of a miracle.”

“However, there is a growing concern over the recent situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea’s hereditary power succession. Many voice their apprehension that this may negatively affect how Korea is perceived in the global society. This may go against our efforts so far to correct South Korea’s misperceived image in the world, such as the foreign textbooks revision project undertaken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

“In light of that, the Council has prepared a conference in which experts in various fields are invited to discuss and seek ways to tackle this worrisome issue,” Chairwoman Lee explained.

Although it is true that Korea’s international standing is rising rapidly – especially with the hosting of the G20 Seoul Summit in a few days – still, a great many people worldwide do not know much about Korea. There have been not a few instances where South Korean athletes were reported as North Korean or vice versa at international sporting events, or government documents meant for South Korea were delivered to the North Korean embassy.

With the recent issue of North Korea’s power transition sweeping the foreign media, in particular, apprehension is growing that this may have negative impact on the South’s nation brand in the global community.

 

The conference on October 27 began with Ms. Margaret Key’s presentation of agenda, followed by presentations by the panel composed of Prof. Seung-Mok Yang of Seoul National University (President of Korean Society for Journalism and Communication Studies); Mr. Andrew Salmon (a Seoul-based journalist for The Washington Times); Prof. Cheol Lee of Sogang University (President of Korean Academy of International Business); Mr. Tetsuya Hakoda (Chief of Asahi Shimbun Seoul Bureau).

Ms. Key emphasized, “South Korea needs to underscore its differences from the North and effectively promote them to the world. In nation branding, you can benchmark, but should not simply imitate. Korea currently is at the stage of advancing toward “premium,” and it should enhance its nation brand with a creative and also quantifiable value system.”

Prof. Seung-Mok Yang who gave a presentation on “The Current Status and Direction of Korea’s Nation Branding” stressed, “A nation’s brand refers to the comprehensive perception the global people have of the nation and its people. Korea’s nation brand is improving for sure, but it lags far behind its economic power.”

Prof. Yang emphasized the importance of culture in establishing nation brand. For example, he mentioned the slogan “Dynamic Korea” which may give off a somewhat rough impression. “It may be improved to suggest something more sophisticated at the same time as dynamic.”

Prof. Cheol Lee of Sogang University (President of Korean Academy of International Business) expressed, “The US used to be regarded as the manufacturer of outstanding products, but it has changed now. Being perceived as a good manufacturer doesn’t last long. Efforts must be made for sustainable branding. Korea needs to develop slogans, symbols and logos that can aptly capture the core value of the country.” 

Andrew Salmon, a Seoul-based journalist for The Washington Times, stressed, “It is true that the North Korean issues may have negative influences on the Korea brand. But actual investors or tourists are certainly well aware of the differences between the North and the South. As in the Lone Star issue, Korea is regarded as unfair to foreign investors, and CEOs of Korea’s major global companies, despite their high performance, are not perceived as favorably as, say, Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. This problem lies more in South Korea than in whatever negative impact the North may be causing.” 

Hakoda Tetsuya, chief of Asahi Shimbun Seoul bureau, expressed, “The Korean people need to cultivate global etiquette that becomes the country’s nation brand. Also, it is a problem that sometimes many things get disregarded for the sake of efficiency.”

G20 beautified by Hanbok designs

Designer Lee Young-hee (Left) and her latest collection (Photo: Maison de Lee Young Hee)

The grounds of the historic Changdeok Palace will turn into a venue for a Hanbok fashion show for spouses of G20 national leaders to enjoy the delicate and sophisticated beauty of Korea’s national costume.

Korea’s most acclaimed Hanbok designers will present their some of their newest designs at the show, along with some classic pieces. Lee Young-hee, the world famous 74-year-old veteran Hanbok designer, will send a few new ramie dresses down the runway. Lee debuted internationally in 1993, and since then she has presented her designs at more than 400 fashion shows around the world. Her designs, some of which have been donated to the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., are renowned for their elegant modern styling and traditional dye techniques. The colorful designs of Kim Young-seok will also be featured in the show.

The G20 Hanbok Fashion Show is organized and supported by Kim Yoon-ok, the First Lady of the Republic of Korea. Kim has been actively promoting Korean traditional culture, and hopes that the event will help raise interest in Hanbok.

Korean characters at Halloween parade in NY

Drawing two million spectators and fifty thousand costumed participants, New York's Village Halloween Parade is an annual holiday parade each Halloween (October 31) in New York City.

This year, some 40 traditional Korean characters, including ghosts, generals, warriors and aristocrats joined the parade, drawing amused and delighted reactions from both spectators and media.

(Photo: Yonhap News)

(Photo: Yonhap News)

Survey suggests G20 will improve Korea's image

A Korean daily newspaper, the Munwha Ilbo, carried out a survey that suggests the G20 summit will have a positive effect on Korea’s national image.

In the survey, 41.8 percent of respondents said that the G20 Seoul Summit will increase Korea’s standing in international society, and will be an opportunity for Korea to promote its image abroad.

In addition, 35.3 percent said the summit will generate economic benefits, and 16.7 percent said the summit will contribute to solving the North Korean nuclear issue.

When asked if they took pride in their Korean citizenship, 77.2 percent of respondents answered yes.

Asked to consider Korea’s political, economic, and social standing, 44.4 percent of people answered that Korea is joining the ranks of developed countries, and 37.3 percent said Korea had become an advanced nation.

Just over half the respondents said that Korea should carry out political reforms in order to develop Korea’s national image.

Cool weather brings a flurry of film festivals to Seoul

Despite the cold weather, a series of film festivals are ready to warm the hearts of movie fans in Korea. 

Korea.net would like to recommend some of the most notable of these events. (left: A scene from "Nativity," from Seoul International Family Film Festival)

The 4th Seoul International Family Film Festival runs from October 27 until November 2, and features films for all ages. Organized around the theme of "Family, When It's Love," this festival, features 126 films, including 3-D movies, from 32 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Finland. 

The films are categorized by age, including Cine Jockey and Generation Children for the younger set, and Generation Teenager and Generation Adult targeting those with more mature tastes.  Be sure and check out their "Masterpiece," "Special: Fantastic Czeck!" and "Focus: Shocking Family" selections for a special treat. 

Catch one of the family-friendly flicks at the CGV Songpa, Garden Five and other movie theaters in Songpa district. Tickets to the opening and closing films cost 10,000 won, while admission for other films varies from 3-10,000 won depending on age and film. For more information, please click here to visit their homepage (Korean, English). (right: "Once Upon a Crime")

The 8th Asiana International Short Film Festival has played an active part in the distribution and promotion of local short films. The festival will show 86 films from 31 countries from Nov. 4 to 9 at Cine Cube in Gwanghwamun.  The opening films will be “Once Upon a Crime,” a black and white courtroom drama crossed with a fairytale from the US and “Penicillin,” about a meningitis epidemic in Africa from Germany.  

A scene from "A Trip to the Heart Warming Country of Korea," from the Asiana International Short Film Festival

There will also be showings of David Lynch’s "Lady Blue Shanghai," "Present" by Kim Ji-woon, and Ridley Scott's "Thunder Perfect Storm."  Tickets are 5-7,000 won, and more information about the festival can be found in English and Korean on their homepage.

If you’re really short on time, check out the Seoul International Extreme-Short Film Festival on Nov. 5-14. All the films showcased by the festival are less than three minutes long, many made with cell phone or digital cameras. 

Catch them at venues including the CGV Guro and CGV Shindorim, subway line two, and Daum internet portal. Clickhere to visit its homepage (Korean, English) for more information.

A scene from "City Paradise," an award-winning film from the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival of France

Film and architecture buffs can attend to both interests at the Seoul International Architecture Film Festival from Nov. 11 to 17. Organized by the Korea Institute of Registered Architects, the festival will be held at Art House Momo at Ewha Woman's University. 

The festival is designed to show the history and cultural value of world architecture, to revalue the achievements of Korean modern architecture and to introduce passionate architects through movies.  The films include Im Kwon- taek's "Chihwaseon," Sam Wainwright's "Citizen Architect," and "The Fountainhead" by King Vidor. Tickets are 5,000 won.  More information can be found on the festival’s homepage(Korean only). (right: "Citizen Architect")

All these festivals are being sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The new Korean Wave: Girl groups

The Korean wave is cresting again, this time with a new twist!  Girl groups are finding new popularity, not just in East Asia, but also in the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe.

Girls Generation is among the most popular of this new wave of girl groups. Girls Generation, also as known as SNSD, had their Japanese debut in September of this year, and their first single jumped straight to fourth on Japan’s prestigious Oricon charts. In just ten days, their single had climbed all the way to second. When their album Gee was released in October, it immediately jumped to second, before finally becoming the top ranked album on the Oricon chart. 

Girls Generation in Taiwan (Photo: Yonhap News)

In Taiwan, their ‘1st Asia Tour: Into the New World’ on Oct. 16 sold out. About 24 thousand fans showed up for the two shows.

Kara, another Korean girl group, debuted in Japan in August. They also made it onto a weekly top ten Oricon list with their single, “Mister.” The success of Kara, Girls Generation, and other female K-pop acts prompted Japan's national public broadcasting organization, NHK, to air a five-minute report on Korean girl bands as one of their top evening news stories.

(Top) Kara (left) 2ne1 (right) 4minute (bottom) Wonder Girls (Photo: Yonhap News)

Korean girl groups have been the subject of lots of foreign media attention, and both the media and viewers are entranced by the multi-talented performers.  Members of these girl groups must be able to sing, dance, and learn multiple languages in order to become successful overseas and communicate with fans worldwide.  Strong attention has also been paid to styling, and many fans follow the groups as they change their clothing, hairstyle, and overall sense of fashion to express new and different sides of themselves.

Social media has been an essential component of their success, bringing together fans from around the world.

Social media channels, especially youtube.com, have helped spread the fame of Korean pop music by bringing it into homes and handheld media devices worldwide. Music videos, photos, and news articles are actively consumed through social media by overseas fans.

Korea.net conducted a survey on which social media channels fans use to get the latest information on their favorite Korean musicians. Most respondents said Twitter, Facebook, Youtube and blogs were their favorite sources, allowing them quick access to new information, and an easy way to spread their favorite clips and news stories among their friends and networks.

These same contents have also grabbed the attention of international record labels.  Youtube is credited with helping the Wondergirls get their American contract, and 2NE1’s newest song, “Clap your Hands,” has had nearly a half a million hits on the video sharing site, with viewers in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, Canada, and England.  With the internet and social media helping to make Korean hits instantly available to a far-flung and diverse audience, the chances that Korean bands will find fame away from home is growing.

Hangul goes hip hop

Hangul has gone full hip hop with will.i.am's new video "Check It Out" featuring catchy Korean words and phrases.

Appearing with Nicki Minaj, the bevy of hangul words include "big shot", "hot", "cool", "impressive", "bring it down", "drinking alone" and "I can't believe it".

The video begins with a Korean man (we presume) who introduces will.i.am and Nicki Minaj in Korean to an apparently Korean audience sometime in the future.

Directed by Korean American Rich Lee, he has also worked on music videos for Eminem, The Black Eyed Peas, The Pussycat Dolls, Norah Jones, Michael Buble and the All American Rejects.

Dr. Pankaj Mohan: an eminent Indian Scholar of Korean Studies, a great Scholar who observed Korea from President Pak Chung Hee age till now.

Seventeen foreigners ― from an Austrian doctor of Oriental medicine to an Indian scholar devoted to Korean studies ― have been selected to become Seoul City’s honorary citizens, Wednesday.

Pankaj Mohan, historianSeventeen foreigners ― from an Austrian doctor of Oriental medicine to an Indian scholar devoted to Korean studies ― have been selected to become Seoul City’s honorary citizens, Wednesday.

They will receive an honorary citizenship certificate Thursday at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. The 17 foreigners from 13 countries chosen this year raise the number of Seoul’s honorary citizens to 649, since the program began in 1958.

Pankaj Mohan is a historian from India, specialized in ancient Korea including the Three Kingdoms and the United Silla period. Currently, on leave from the University of Sydney, he works as a professor of Korean studies at the Academy of Korean Studies. Seoul Mayor Oh thanked the honorary citizens for playing active roles in the various fields of economy, culture and history. "These people raised the brand value of Seoul and enhanced the city's urban competitiveness. We will do our best to help them feel like Seoul is as comfortable as their hometown and live happily," Oh said through a press release.



Friday, October 29, 2010
2010 Seoul City’s honorary citizens
On October 27th 2010, seventeen foreigners were awarded the Seoul honorary citizenship certificate at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun.
The program Seoul honrray citizenship was initiated in 1958 and the total number of Seoul’s honorary citizens to date is 649.
Honorary citizenship is given to international residents who have resided in Seoul for more than three consecutive years or five cumulative years, in recognition of their contributions to the city and the local community, including being a role model to Seoul citizens as well as other foreign residents, according to the Seoul city government
And the 2010 winners are:
*Pankaj Mohan is a historian from India.
*Peter Bartholomew, vice president of the consulting company IRC (and also a French cruisader in the XIth Century). 
*Raimund Royer of Jaseng Hospital of Oriental Medicine is the first expatriate Oriental doctor in Korea.
*Didier Beltoise , general manager of the Grand InterContinental and COEX InterContinental Seoul.
*Kiyoshi Fujita of Chiben Gakuen, cgiarman of an academic institution in Japan with close ties with Korea.
According to the Notice of Recommendation for Honorary Citizenship of Seoul, the benefits for those honorary citizens are the following:
1.Conferred the medal, certificate and card of Honorary Citizenship of Seoul.
2.Appointed as member of various committees of the city government or invited to official events


3.Exempt from paying admission fees at Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul Museum of History, Seoul Grand Park and Children's Park.

판카즈 모한, '아름다운 도시 서울 발전 도모할 것'
Professor Pankaj Mohan delivering the Vote of Thanks at the 2010 Honorary Citizenship Ceremony

Journalists come to Korea to build global network

Korean and ethnically Korean journalists from leading media organizations worldwide have gathered in Korea for a more in-depth look at the country, and to discuss ways to further enhance the image of Korea from a non-resident perspective.

The Korean Culture and Information Service, an organ of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, invited 13 overseas Korean journalists as part of the Bethell Fellowship, a program created to bring overseas journalists to Korea. Journalists from six nations, including the United States, Kazakhstan, and China, representing ten different press organizations, attended the carefully organized press event.

The event was designed to build a global network for Korean journalists working abroad to stay connected to news and issues in Korea, and bring them to greater attention worldwide.

The list of invited journalists include Jinah Kim, a Korean-American reporter for NBC News Los Angeles and President of the Asian-American Journalists Association (AAJA), Julie Chang, an anchor for New York’s Fox 5, and Tsoy Vladislav from Kazakhstan’s Channel 7. During the six-day trip, scheduled from October 25 to 30, the visiting journalists were given a brief overview of preparations for the G20 Seoul Summit and its related events by the Seoul Summit Committee. The Committee has highlighted the significance of Korea's role in organizing and hosting the G-20 Summit.

Korean overseas journalists visit the JSA on October 27 at the invitation of KOCIS.

On October 26, the invitees visited the Korean Development Institute (KDI) for an in-depth report on Korea's economic growth and development. At the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security, and later on a trip to the DMZ, they focused on Korea's background as a divided nation. On October 27, the journalists toured the National Museum of Korea and enjoyed a variety of cultural programs, such as traditional music performances, to highlight Korea’s cultural heritage.  

Journalists at the National Museum of Korea on Oct. 27.

At the end of their visit, the journalists will participate in an "Images of Korea from Overseas" forum.  The debate will be broadcast on Arirang TV and KTV on Tuesday, November 9.

"This is the first time we have invited Korean journalists from overseas, representing the world’s most prominent media organizations," said Seo Kang-soo, Director of the Korean Culture and Information Service. "It will lay the groundwork for a global network, which will facilitate future collaborations among international Korean journalists to improve Korea's overseas information activities," added Seo.

source:Korea.net

Cheonggyecheon Stream lights up the world

Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon (Stream) is brimming with hope, as it launched a hope campaign prior to the 2010 Seoul Lantern Festival.
This campaign, organized by Seoul City as one part of the “2010 Seoul Lantern Festival” public events, has been encouraging Seoulites to make lamps and ribbons of hope, from Oct. 15. The event, taking place at the Chyeongye Plaza, is running until Nov. 4, the eve of the launch of the 2010 Seoul Lantern Festival.

The program for making lamps of hope is open to the public with the aims of creating one’s own lamp featuring a written personal wish. The one-of-a-kind wish lamps will be showcased at the Seoul Lantern Festival opening on Nov. 5.

An event to make ribbons of hope is also taking place. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, is welcome to write down their wish on one of four ribbons representing Seoul for free. The colors include Namsan green, ginkgo nut yellow, Seoul sky blue, and red.

The launch of the festival will then culminate with a phenomenal light exhibition featuring as many as 15,000 lanterns from 24 countries around the world invited to participate in the extravaganza by Seoul City.

The event, mixing tradition and the modern, as well as Korea and the world, is expected to complement and accentuate the city’s festive mood in time for the G-20 Summit coming up in November and in line with Visit Korea Year.

* Government press release (October 29)

G20 marked by cultural events, global gatherings

With less than 30 days left before the G20 Seoul Summit, Korea is bustling with preparations to greet overseas visitors.

A variety of events will be held to celebrate the G20 as event for everyone, beyond just world leaders and businesspeople.

In central Seoul, a concert will be held at Sejong Cultural Center for the Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun on November 7. As many as 3,000 people, including ambassadors and other officials, are expected to attend the concert, which is being supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The National Library of Korea will also hold a series of programs from November 8-12, including a lecture on world literature, an art exhibition, and film screening to mark the upcoming G20 summit.

One of the most notable events is the 2010 Asia Song Festival. Now in its seventh year, the festival will feature 14 top singers and groups from Korea and overseas to celebrate the opening of the G20. The concert will be held on October 23 at the main Olympic Stadium in Jamsil and be aired in more than 30 countries, including Japan and China. Boa, Rain, 2AM, KARA, and other local groups will join an international collection of stars to delight fans.

Top Asian singers perform at the Asia Song Festival which was held in Seoul, September of 2009. (Photo: Yonhap News)

During the two-day summit period from Nov. 11-12, traditional performances and exhibitions will be held for diplomatic delegations and representatives from international organizations. The National Center for the Korean Traditional Performing Arts will hold a special performance of the Jongmyojereak under the title “Korea, the Beauty of Korea” at Yeakdang in Seocho-gu. The Jongmyojereak is part of a royal ancestral rite named “jongmyojere” from the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and is a UNESCO-listed intangible cultural heritage.  The National Theater of Korea will also host a traditional Korean music performance called "Cheong" at its main Hea Hall on Nov. 12.

The leaders attending the G20 Seoul Summit will be able to appreciate the beauty of Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) Buddhist paintings at the National Museum of Korea, which will also serve as the official luncheon venue for the G20 Summit on Nov. 11. The museum is holding a special exhibition titled "Masterpieces of Goryeo Buddhist Painting - A Long Lost Look after 700 Years" from Oct. 12 to Nov. 21. 

Visitors enjoy Korean, Japanese, and Chinese paintings in the National Museum of Korea’s special exhibition on Goryeo Buddhist paintings. (Photo: Yonhap News)

Overseas tourists and representatives from governmental and international organizations will have several opportunities to enjoy Korean culture through a variety of programs, including tour programs run by royal palaces, and two arts festivals at Seoul Art Center: The Korea International Music Festival on Nov. 4-14, and the Seoul Performing Arts Festival from Oct. 2 through Nov. 4.

Meanwhile, the city of Gyeongju in Gyeongsangbuk-do will host several events to celebrate the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors' Meeting, slated to take place on Oct. 22-23. 

A scene from the gugak-themed performance "Miso" (Photo: Yonhap News)

One of the main events is the Bomunho Festival on Oct. 20-23. A series of concerts, including orchestral, K-pop, the traditional Korean performance "Miso," and the nonverbal performance "Nanta" will be held at the main outdoor stage at Bomun Lake in the Bomun resort area.