Page 60 - NKHR Hawaii Conference 2023

Congratulatory Remarks
RICK BLANGIARDI

Mayor of Honolulu

Congratulations to Myong Hae Kim on her appointment by President Yoon Suk Yeol, as
the Chairperson of the Global Strategy Special Committee of the Peaceful Unif cation
Advisory Council (PUAC). President Yoon’s continued efforts and dedication to end
inhumane behavior and policies is admirable and unwavering.

I am pleased that each of you have taken the time to come together to learn, discuss,
and share the various ways in which to improve human rights in North Korea. Today’s
keynote speakers and panel discussions will serve as an important step towards increasing
the momentum towards formulating and implementing democratic and peaceful
unif cation policies from a global perspective.

Stability, peace, unity, and the defense of human rights is of global importance and should
be addressed by all who have the inf uence to af ect change. Let today be an opportunity
to strengthen our global ties to improve the human rights of our fellows in North Korea.
On behalf of the people of the City and County of Honolulu, we stand with you and
commend your ef orts to promote peace and uphold the values of human rights for all.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi
City and County of Honolulu