President Kim Dae-jung has issued an appeal for mutual cooperation and reconciliation to bring about world peace.
The president made the remarks at the opening ceremony of an international conference marking the 20th U.N. International Day of Peace.
He also used the occasion to condemn terrorism and pledged South Korea's participation in global efforts to free the world from the menace of terrorism.
About one thousand-500 people from home and abroad attended the conference, which opened at the Hotel Lotte in downtown Seoul for a two-day run.
Among those on hand were former Costa Rican President Rodrigo Carazo and former Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal.
Participants are discussing issues such as communication between peoples and religions and the role of non-governmental organizations in building democratic societies.