Description

A year ago, HLF made a $15,000 grant to the Global Collaboration Lab Network (GCL) for a short documentary film on the history of science engagement with North Korea. As noted in my message to the HLF staff in June, the film featured several prior Luce-funded efforts, most prominently the US-DPRK Scientific Engagement Consortium.    GCL provides opportunities for young people to work on “the complex, interdisciplinary global challenges of our time.” High school and college students and several recent college graduates contributed to the documentary effort, with backup support from a dedicated group of experts who care about the role of science in advancing peace and security.   The film’s virtual premier was co-hosted by the National Committee on North Korea, the Stimson Center, and the US Institute of Peace, with an audience including Ambassador Joseph DeTrani, Special Envoy for the Six Party Talks with North Korea (2003-2006) and Robert King, Special Envoy for North Korea Human Rights Issues at the US Department of State (2009-2017). The film has been shown to officials at the State Department’s Korea Desk and provided to ambassadors at the Permanent Mission of North Korea to the United Nations. The American Association for the Advancement of Science screened it over the summer, and its Affinity Group for Science Diplomacy is planning another screening soon.   The film is available on GCL’s website, accompanied by a resource page geared toward teaching about science diplomacy and US-North Korea relations. Global Co-Lab is in the process of conducting outreach to high schools, colleges and universities. I have provided introductions to ASIANetwork and the Association for Asian Studies. Linda Staheli, GCL’s founding director, recently approached us to explore the prospect of additional funds to continue efforts to promote the film. The Asia Program recommends a grant of $6,500 to support an intern for six months and for Staheli to oversee the work. GCL is contributing $3,500 in additional monies and in-kind support.   Submitted by Helena Kolenda