Icebreaker Dialogue at the 37th IGC: Insights from Young-Seog Kim and Wonsuh Song on the Future of Geology
On August 25, 2024, at the Icebreaker event preceding the 37th International Geological Congress (IGC), President Young-Seog Kim of the Geological Society of Korea and Wonsuh Song, a member of the Global Strategy Committee of the Japan Geoscience Union (JPGU) and a lecturer at Shumei University, came together for an insightful conversation. They discussed the challenges of organizing the conference and shared their thoughts on the future of geology, emphasizing the importance of Earth’s environment and nurturing the next generation of geologists.
Wonsuh Song: Today marks the start of the IGC with this Icebreaker event. How do you feel after all the preparation?
Young-Seog Kim: It has been a challenging journey. There were so many concerns, but seeing all these international participants here today has somewhat eased my worries. The atmosphere is better than I expected, which is reassuring. I believe we can safely and successfully complete the event.
Song: What was your main concern while organizing the event?
Kim: Safety was our biggest concern, especially due to the extreme summer heat. Preventing any accidents during the congress is our top priority, and if we can achieve that, I’d consider it a success. Additionally, I hope the participants leave with fond memories of Korea. We’ve put our hearts into preparing this event, and I hope they can feel that sincerity.
Song: What was the central focus in your preparations for this congress?
Kim: Initially, we focused on attracting as many participants as possible. But as time went on, I realized that what matters more than numbers is the participants’ satisfaction. It’s crucial that foreign attendees leave with a positive impression of Korean geology. The experience they have is more important than just the number of attendees.
Song: You’ve always emphasized nurturing the next generation. What are your thoughts on the future of geology?
Kim: These days, many people are drawn to advanced sciences, but geology remains a fundamental field that studies the Earth we live on. With the escalating environmental crises, it’s more important than ever to train the next generation to protect and study our planet through geology. This congress carries significant meaning in that regard. Geology will continue to play a crucial role in the future of both humanity and the Earth.
This dialogue between the two geologists at the Icebreaker event of the 37th International Geological Congress provided clear insight into the congress’s purpose and goals. It also offered deep reflections on how geology can contribute to the future of humanity and the planet.
