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Korean Veterans Association Chairman Shin Sang-tae delivers opening remarks at the 2026 Seoul International Veterans Forum held at the Grand Hall of El Tower in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on July 28. / Korean Veterans Association

Veterans association leaders from 14 Korean War participating and supporting nations jointly adopted the "Seoul Initiative," committing to collective action for honoring war veterans, promoting peace and security education, and strengthening international solidarity.

The Korean Veterans Association (KVA) hosted the "2026 Seoul International Veterans Forum" at the Grand Hall of El Tower in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on July 28. During the event, the KVA proposed the "Seoul Initiative"—a sustainable international cooperation framework among veterans organizations of Korean War participating and supporting countries—which was jointly adopted by veterans leaders representing 14 nations.

The forum was held in connection with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs' "UN Veterans Re-visit Korea Program." Approximately 240 security and veterans affairs officials from home and abroad attended, including representatives of veterans organizations from 11 combat troop-contributing nations—the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, France, the Philippines, Belgium, the Netherlands, Colombia, and Ethiopia—and three medical support nations: India, Sweden, and Germany.

KVA Chairman Shin Sang-tae stated, "I hope the Seoul International Veterans Forum will develop into an international cooperation platform spanning private and veterans diplomacy, serving as an opportunity to spread the values of peace and prosperity worldwide."

Held under the theme "Honoring Sacrifices, Continuing Peace and Prosperity," the forum introduced the "Seoul Initiative," which outlines a shared veterans vision: "Together We Remember the Past, Together We Shape the Future." Participating nations agreed to continue joint actions, including honoring and commemorating veterans, as well as expressing gratitude and respect.

Berkley Lawrence, Dominion President of the Royal Canadian Legion, remarked, "We are deeply grateful to the Republic of Korea for remembering and honoring the sacrifices of Canadian veterans for so long." He added, "As the generation of war veterans gradually diminishes, veterans organizations from each country must work together to record the history of the war, enhance youth education, and pass this legacy on to future generations."

Paul Gommers, President of the Netherlands Veterans Association, said, "Even after the last Korean War veteran leaves us, we will ensure that their noble sacrifice and dedication to South Korea's freedom are remembered forever."

Korean War veterans in attendance included Tefera N. Moru (93), Vice President of the Ethiopian Korean War Veterans Association, and Jovino Paez Diaz (92), Director of the Colombian Korean War Veterans Association.

Building on the Seoul Initiative, the KVA plans to launch public projects next year—such as veterans affairs, peace education, and youth exchanges—in collaboration with veterans groups from participating nations. It also intends to develop the Seoul International Veterans Forum into a premier platform for international veterans diplomacy and civil security cooperation, continuously expanding its global network.

                                                                                                           Lee Han-sol