Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Wednesday urged young people to "challenge themselves continuously without fear of failure."
Ahn made the remarks while meeting with the 2030 Youth Advisory Group at a joint launching ceremony for the 7th Innovation Avengers and the 3rd 2030 Youth Advisory Group, held at the Defense Convention in Yongsan.
The first part of the ceremony featured activity plan reports from the Innovation Avengers and the 2030 Youth Advisory Group, along with the presentation of appointment certificates to new members. The second part included a special lecture by Minister Ahn and a communication session.
"Young people learn about life through encounters with others, wisdom found in books, and travels to unfamiliar places," Ahn said in his lecture. "Hold onto your dreams and goals, and find your own path through diverse experiences."
"You can correct any mistake or wrongdoing and start anew — that is the privilege of youth," he added. "The historian Arnold Toynbee also emphasized human history as a 'history of challenge and response.'"
Following the lecture, a "Minister, We're Curious!" communication session was held, featuring free-flowing conversations unrestricted by topic or format and tailored to the perspectives of young participants.
"It was a sincere time of contemplating and sharing thoughts about the future of young people," Ahn said. "I will listen carefully to the young people's suggestions on national defense and actively support the activities of the youth members."
The Innovation Avengers is composed of young-generation public officials within the Ministry of National Defense, carrying out activities to improve organizational culture and promote a culture of open communication.
The 2030 Youth Advisory Group consists of external young people interested in the defense sector, tasked with presenting opinions and policy recommendations on major defense policies.
