- Presentations and Discussions on the Theme: ‘The Nth Era! Connection and Expansion to the World’ -

- Kwangwoon University Lays the Foundation to Serve as a Lifelong Education Hub in Northeast Seoul -

The "Regional-University Cooperation Lifelong Learning Forum," hosted by the Kwangwoon Lifelong Education Strategy Committee (Chair: Yoo Jung-ho, Vice President of Academic and Administrative Affairs at Kwangwoon University) and co-organized by the College of Veritas et Lux Talents Development and the Center for Adult Learning Success at the Institute of College Education Innovation, was successfully held on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at Kwangwoon University's 80th Anniversary Hall.

The forum, held under the theme "The Nth Era! Connection and Expansion to the World," began with an opening address by Kim Sung-gil, Dean of College of Veritas et Lux Talents Development. This was followed by a welcome speech from Vice President Yoo Jung-ho (Director of the LiFE 2.0 Project Group), a congratulatory address by Han Joon-sang, President of the Korean Society for Future Education, and an encouraging message delivered by Kim Jong-sun, Director of the Seoul Lifelong Education Institute, on behalf of its President, Han Yong-jin.

In the keynote lecture, Choi Woon-sil, Chairperson of the Future Planet Foundation, highlighted the significance of lifelong education by illustrating its source of power and value through various examples, emphasizing its importance in the Nth Era. Professor Jo Soo-young from Kwangwoon University's Department of Game Content delivered <Theme Presentation 1: Future Industries and the World of Work in the AI Era>, where he outlined the technological characteristics of the AI era and the need for adaptation to these changes. In <Theme Presentation 2: Sharing Regional Cooperation Lifelong Education Cases>, Cho Nam-eok, Director of the Seongbuk Youth Center, shared examples and outcomes of youth support programs tailored to the evolving Nth Era. In <Theme Presentation 3: An Invitation to the 'N-Jobber' Lifestyle>, Yang Jin-young, founder of the Naver Caf？ "Fun Fun Workers", shared personal experiences of living as an N-jobber in today's era, offering insights into the meaning of being an N-jobber in a lifelong learning society.

The panel discussion featured Lee Jae-joo, President of the Korean Assocation for Lifelong Educator; Kim Jong-sun, Director of the Seoul Lifelong Education Institute; and Kim Ji-young, Professor at Myongji University. The discussion delved into topics such as lifelong learning for coexisting with AI, building platforms to connect universities and local communities, the role of universities in the Nth Era, and the career meta-competencies needed for living as an N-jobber.

Dean Kim Sung-gil stated, "Today's Lifelong Learning Forum provided an excellent opportunity to exchange diverse perspectives on the direction lifelong education should take in the Nth Era. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who supported this event, as it marks the beginning of Kwangwoon University's journey toward realizing its vision of becoming a lifelong education hub in Northeast Seoul."