May 14, 2015 - The Asia Society Korea Center continued its 2015 Monthly Luncheon Series in May with former Canadian Prime Minister and Secretary of State for External Affairs (Foreign Minister), the Right Honourable Charles Joseph "Joe" Clark as guest speaker. The event was supported in numbers by Korea’s diplomatic community. Mr. Clark was making his first visit to Korea since 1988 when he was in Korea to see the Olympic Games and to boost Canada’s bid for subsequent Olympics. The focus of his talk was “How we should lead: advice to the next generation of diplomats”, while also mentioning the relationship between Canada and Korea, before taking questions from those guests in attendance. Honorary Chairman of the Asia Society Korea Center and former Prime Minister of Korea Dr. Lee Hong-koo gave the opening remarks in which he highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between Korea and Canada.

Mr. Clark started his talk by emphasizing the strong Korea-Canadian relationship which started back in the 19th century and which has grown in strength ever since. 25,000 Canadians fought in the Korean War with more than 500 losing their lives. He also noted that 170,000 Koreans are now naturalized Canadians and some of Canada’s most distinguished citizens. The completion of the free trade agreement and the movement of immigrants between the two countries makes the distance across the Pacific Ocean seem much smaller than what it actually is.

In the next part of the lecture Mr. Clark explained about his role as Vice Chairman of the Global Leadership Foundation, a global network of former presidents, prime ministers and other high ranking officials who give political advice to leaders and politicians of developing countries. Mr. Clarke talked about how he applies his experience from working in Canada’s government to help promote democracy and encourage development in countries from Haiti to Nigeria, Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The main part of the lecture talked about the role of “middle powers” in the 21st century, an identity that both Canada and Korea have taken on. Mr. Clarke explained how a middle power is, “in its most basic form, a state which is neither a great power nor a small power”, and can refer to the likes of Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, Canada and many others countries. Going forward, leadership should be less from the top and more from beside. The US and China are both big powers but significant middle powers matter too and can in some situations, matter more in issues such as mediation, moderation and compromising.

The event gave a valuable insight into life as both a leader and diplomat and was highly appreciated by all those present.