Challenges and Opportunities in Korea-Canada Relations: Insights from Ambassador Tamara Mawhinney
On September 4th, 2024, the Asian Institute hosted Canada’s Ambassador to Korea, Tamara Mawhinney. The conversation touched on various aspects of the relationship between the two countries, the issues that hinder the collaboration of the two nations, and how these may be solved through innovative thinking. She was joined by Professor Yoonkyung Lee, and Munk Senior Fellow, Julia Bentley, who co-chaired the event and offered commentary.
Ambassador Mawhinney emphasized the significant growth in the Korea-Canada relationship over the years, from trade partnerships to collaborations in artificial intelligence and green energy. She noted, however, that amidst this progress, several challenges have emerged that must be addressed to maintain the momentum of this relationship.
One of the major challenges discussed was the broader geopolitical environment. North Korea poses a constant threat in the region and its nuclear ambition is a concern, not only for South Korea, but also with respect to Canada’s relations in the Indo-Pacific more generally. It was evident that there is a need for new, multilateral approaches and creative diplomatic frameworks. Canada, with its reputation as a peacebuilder, the Ambassador noted, can facilitate the gathering of international actors and encourage them to look for solutions that go beyond conventional approaches when dealing with North Korea.
On the issue of North Korea, Ambassador Mawhinney made a very pertinent observation about the need to think outside of the box. Although conventional diplomacy has been effective, there is always scope for innovation. The Ambassador noted that the Canadian model of reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples, for example, could be useful in the North-South Korea reconciliation process. Additionally, Canada’s involvement in human rights advocacy for North Korean citizens should be a focal point in this process, pushing for more constructive, humanitarian-based approaches.
As a Korean national myself, my attention was drawn to the personal and human aspects of the discussion focused on South Korea. The present challenges regarding gender inequality, generational divides, and housing crises were highlighted. These concerns are not only domestic but global ones that affect how the two nations collaborate, share knowledge and move forward. They affect people across generations and, it seems, across borders as well.
In the area of collaboration in technological advancement, Ambassador Mawhinney highlighted growing developments in cybersecurity, where South Korea is a technological powerhouse. As cyber-threats continue to intensify around the globe, Canada can benefit significantly from South Korea’s expertise and experience. The Ambassador discussed the ways the two countries can contribute through collaboration to the development of the cybersecurity sphere, protecting their interests as well as the interests of the world.
As the discussion came to a close, one point became clear: maintaining and growing the Korea-Canada relationship requires innovation, diplomacy, and shared purpose. From the valuable insights from Ambassador Mawhinney, the picture painted was one of a partnership of great promise despite the challenges. By concentrating on the possibilities for the future, whether these are connected to artificial intelligence, youth engagement, renewable energy, or new diplomatic approaches to the North Korean issue, Ambassador Mawhinney left us with optimism about what the future holds for both countries.
