AT UNGA: Republic of Korea President proposes DMZ as future ‘peace and cooperation district’ on Peninsula

The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas  could be transformed into an “international peace zone” and even included on a UN list of global cultural heritage, world leaders in the UN General Assembly heard on Tuesday.

The proposal was floated by Moon Jae-in, President of the Republic of Korea, in his address to the annual gathering.

The DMZ separates South Korea, as the country is also known, and its neighbour to the north.

“The DMZ is a colossal green zone that stretches 250 km from east to west, and four km from north to south. Its borders define a tragedy spawned by 70 years of military confrontation, but paradoxically, it has become a pristine ecological treasure trove. It has also become a symbolic space, steeped in history, which embraces both the tragedy of division…as well as the yearning for peace,” Mr. Moon said.

“The DMZ is the common heritage of humankind and its value must be shared with the whole world. Once peace is established between the two Koreas, I will work together with North Korea to inscribe the DMZ as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

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