BIGBANG's
G-Dragon has been appointed honorary ambassador for the UNESCO World Heritage Committee's 48th session, which will be held in Busan, the first time South Korea will host the event. The Korea Heritage Service cited his global cultural influence and the values of his JUSPEACE Foundation in announcing the appointment. As part of his role, G-Dragon will join UNESCO's 'Heritage in Peace' campaign launching on 10 July, aimed at protecting World Heritage sites threatened by war, climate change and natural disasters. Here's why the K-pop star was selected and what his new role entails.
G-Dragon promises to spread message of peace
BIGBANG leader G-Dragon has been appointed honorary ambassador for the 48th session of the
UNESCO World Heritage Committee. Announcing the appointment on 3 July, the Korea Heritage Service said the singer's influence extends beyond K-pop, making him an ideal figure to introduce the significance of the first World Heritage Committee session to be held in South Korea.The agency also highlighted G-Dragon's public-interest organisation, the JUSPEACE Foundation, which works to address social issues through art and promote a culture of public participation. According to the Korea Heritage Service, the foundation's belief that peace can be established through small steps of participation aligns closely with UNESCO's goal of fostering international cooperation.
'Heritage in Peace' campaign to launch ahead of Busan session
On 10 July, the JUSPEACE Foundation and UNESCO will jointly launch the 'Heritage in Peace' campaign. As honorary ambassador, G-Dragon will appear in promotional videos and attend campaign events aimed at raising awareness about the protection of World Heritage sites.Donations collected through the initiative will be contributed to the UNESCO World Heritage Fund to help preserve heritage sites threatened by war, climate change and natural disasters.Reacting to the appointment,
G-Dragon described the opportunity as a significant milestone, saying, "I consider it an extremely meaningful honour to serve as the ambassador for the first UNESCO World Heritage Committee session to be held in South Korea."
Emphasising the importance of preserving cultural heritage, he added, "As World Heritage sites are a shared asset that all of humanity must protect together, I want to convey a message of peace that resonates with many people and inspires them to take action." Through his new role, the BIGBANG leader hopes to encourage greater public participation in safeguarding heritage sites while promoting peace and global cooperation.Meanwhile, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee will hold its 48th session in Busan from 19 to 29 July, marking a historic first for South Korea as the host nation.