In commemoration of the 16th World Day for Cultural Diversity, Dialogue, and Development, Daejeon City hosted the 14th Together Day Festival on the 20th of May at Seodaejeon Citizen Park. The event, organized by Daejeon City and Daejeon Social Service Center (대전사회서비스원), and spearheaded by the Daejeon Support Center for Foreign Residents (대전외국인주민 통합지원센터) aimed to foster communication, integration, sharing, and hope among Daejeon's citizens and foreign residents.
The Together Day for Cultural Diversity, Dialogue, and Development was established as a national holiday in 2007 with the noble objective of creating a society that promotes understanding, coexistence, and appreciation of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
The festival provided an immersive experience of various cultures and cuisines from around the world, with over 80 booths offering a vibrant bazaar and flea market atmosphere. Visitors had the opportunity to engage in cultural exchange and gain insights into different countries through these interactive showcases.
Among the highlights of the event was the World Citizens' Joyful Games, a spirited sports competition that further fostered cross-cultural understanding and camaraderie. Through friendly competition, participants gained a deeper appreciation for the diverse cultures represented at the festival.
A symbolic performance captured the essence of unity and solidarity between foreign residents and Daejeon citizens. Together, they tied hope ribbons, symbolizing their shared aspiration to create an exemplary global city known as 'Daejeon', where all residents, regardless of their nationality, can thrive harmoniously.
Lee Seok-bong (이석봉), Deputy Mayor of Daejeon City's Department of Economy and Science, emphasized the importance of embracing Daejeon's foreign residents as neighbors, stating, "Foreign residents with diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds are our neighbors living in Daejeon. I ask for your support in creating a livable first-class economic city, Daejeon."
Daejeon City currently accommodates more than 30,000 foreign residents. The city's commitment to ensuring their smooth integration into the local community and providing a stable living environment remains steadfast. Efforts to strengthen the functions of the Foreign Residents Integrated Support Center and the implementation of foreigner-friendly neighborhood policies reflect Daejeon's proactive approach to supporting the welfare and integration of its foreign residents.
The 14th Together Day Festival in Daejeon exemplified the city's commitment to embracing cultural diversity, fostering dialogue, and creating an inclusive society. By promoting mutual understanding and harmony, Daejeon takes strides toward its vision of becoming a global city that thrives on the strength of its diverse population.
More info:
- Daejeon Support Center for Foreign Residents (대전외국인주민 통합지원센터)
