Director-General's remarks for Korean Cinema Day 2026

Korean Cinema Day
Thursday, 29 October 2026, at 12.30 p.m.
Room XIV, Palais des Nations

Delivered by Mr. Erik Marzolf, Chief, Political Affairs and Partnerships Section
Office of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

Ambassador Yoon [H.E. Ambassador Seongmee YOON, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea]
Excellencies, 
Ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of Ms. Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva, who regrets that she cannot be with us today, it is my honour to welcome you all to the Palais des Nations for the 2026 Korean Cinema Day. I would like to express our sincere gratitude to Her Excellency Ambassador Seongmee YOON and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea for organizing this event.

Cultural exchange plays a vital role in fostering dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among nations. Through our Cultural Activities Programme, UN Geneva is proud to host a range of cultural events, including exhibitions, concerts and film screenings. These provide an opportunity to explore each other’s stories, appreciate different ways of life, and celebrate the common values we all share.

Furthermore, through the ‘Ciné ONU’ initiative, UN Geneva harnesses the power of film to shine a light on the work of the United Nations and foster understanding about human rights, humanitarian aid, health, peace, and many other areas.

Today, we have the privilege of immersing ourselves in Korean culture through the film Sunset in my Hometown, a story that touches on themes we all recognize: home, belonging, and the pull between ambition and family. 

Whatever our background, each of us will find something familiar in this tale of leaving and returning, told through a distinct Korean lens.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is the unique power of cultural exchange at the United Nations: people from vastly different political, cultural and social backgrounds finding what connects them and building a foundation for greater exchange, dialogue and mutual understanding.

Enjoy the film.

Thank you.