I am writing to you today in my capacity as the Mayor of Gwangju Metropolitan City, South Korea, and as the host of the upcoming 14th World Human Rights Cities Forum (WHRCF), which will be held in Gwangju from October 10th to 11th, 2024.

Gwangju Metropolitan City initiated the World Human Rights Cities Forum in 2011 to share the spirit of the May 18 Democratization Movement of 1980 and the experiences of human rights cities. The Forum has now grown into an important platform for cities and human rights experts around the world to discuss various human rights issues and seek solutions together.

The theme of this year's forum is 'Civic Space and Human Rights Cities'. Human rights cities are made stronger when broad citizen participation in civic spaces is ensured. Based on this theme, the Forum participants will highlight the realities of civic space repression around the world, and use the Forum to explore ways to promote civic engagement and rights.

It is my sincere hope that many international organizations, human rights city officials, civil society organizations and human rights experts will participate in the forum to share their experiences and expertise. I also hope that the enhanced international solidarity through this forum will serve as a stepping stone toward a world without discrimination.

Thank you.