Distinguished Diplomat Speaks with Groton Model U.N.
The Groton Model United Nations Club hosted a conversation over Zoom on January 11 with Dr. Han Seung-soo, a South Korean politician and diplomat who served both as South Korea’s prime minister and as ambassador to the United States, as well as at the United Nations in various posts.
Organized by the student heads of the Groton Model U.N. club, Dr. Han’s talk was a unique opportunity for club members and other interested students to ask questions of a veteran diplomat and gain significant insight into international relations and the United Nations.
Organized by the student heads of the Groton Model U.N. club, Dr. Han’s talk was a unique opportunity for club members and other interested students to ask questions of a veteran diplomat and gain significant insight into international relations and the United Nations.
Dr. Han was elected president of the United Nations General Assembly the day after the terror attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001. In response to a question by one student, Dr. Han said that his most significant career achievement was his successful efforts to keep the U.N. focused and productive in the wake of those attacks.
When asked whether the realities of the world today required that the U.N. Security Council be reformed, he responded that he was frustrated by the unwillingness of some members of the U.N. to do just that. Twice during the conversation, Dr. Han mentioned that the brutal war in Ukraine has polarized the international community to a degree not seen since the Cold War.
When asked by another student what strategies and tactics were crucial to a successful career in diplomacy, Dr. Han replied that a successful diplomat and politician is respectful of those with whom they disagree and is willing to compromise and “find the middle ground.” He also told students that the greatest global challenges facing humanity remain peace, economic development, and human rights. He called global warming the fourth biggest challenge.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Han indicated that he was optimistic about the future, largely because he felt that most young people around the world seem committed to resolving these challenges and have the intelligence and resources to do so. He also encouraged students to learn more languages and more about international law and the politics of international relations.
Sixth Former Zhining Zhao said that he found Dr. Han to be the consummate statesman, remarking on his “patience”, “humble attitude,” and “kind and gentle manner.”—Tommy Lamont, Model U.N. faculty advisor
When asked whether the realities of the world today required that the U.N. Security Council be reformed, he responded that he was frustrated by the unwillingness of some members of the U.N. to do just that. Twice during the conversation, Dr. Han mentioned that the brutal war in Ukraine has polarized the international community to a degree not seen since the Cold War.
When asked by another student what strategies and tactics were crucial to a successful career in diplomacy, Dr. Han replied that a successful diplomat and politician is respectful of those with whom they disagree and is willing to compromise and “find the middle ground.” He also told students that the greatest global challenges facing humanity remain peace, economic development, and human rights. He called global warming the fourth biggest challenge.
In his concluding remarks, Dr. Han indicated that he was optimistic about the future, largely because he felt that most young people around the world seem committed to resolving these challenges and have the intelligence and resources to do so. He also encouraged students to learn more languages and more about international law and the politics of international relations.
Sixth Former Zhining Zhao said that he found Dr. Han to be the consummate statesman, remarking on his “patience”, “humble attitude,” and “kind and gentle manner.”—Tommy Lamont, Model U.N. faculty advisor
Groton School Mission: To inspire lives of character, scholarship, leadership, and service within a diverse, inclusive, and close-knit community.
© 2024 Groton School. All Rights Reserved.
