If we do not moderate disparity between the rich and poor, racial discrimination, and the concentration and greed for wealth and power, this may be difficult.

On March 4, the Al-Arabi Forum hosted by Al-Arabi magazine in Kuwait began with the theme “The Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula: Half Century of Cultural renaissance.” Proper alternatives for peace and co-prosperity that can overcome war, conflict and strife are being discussed and the participating journalists, writers, and artists from over 20 Arab countries are actively contributing such proposals based on their experiences and deep contemplation. The forum will continue until the 7th. Even though I am grateful to have been invited as a non-Arab representative, I think it would be much better for intellectuals from all the Asian nations to come together and find solutions for the everyday territorial disputes and religious and racial conflict that afflict the entire Asian region: north, south, east and west.

I would also like to convey the happy news that Abderrahim El Allam, an active writer for The AsiaN’s Arabic edition and the President of the Union of Writers of Morocco, who is also participating in the Al-Arabi Forum, has been chosen to receive the 2013 Manhae Award in the practice category.

As I was taking a walk in the early hours this morning, feeling the wind of the Gulf and drops of rain wet my hair, my eyes were drawn to a big advertisement sign on the outer wall of the eight-story Grand Hyper. It read “Quality Value Service.”

It reminded me once again of the attitude and heart I want to have toward all the readers of The AsiaN and thus, my morning walk made me happy and full of new determination.

Thank you.

March 6, 2013

Sincerely
Lee Sang-ki in Kuwait, CEO & Publisher of the AsiaN

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