As the country seems to be on the verge of possible important changes, people sent their warm congratulations to the new leader.

Among the many, there was Archbishop Desmond Tutu, writing on behalf of The Elders,  an independent group of global leaders who work together for peace and human rights. He praised President Park’s commitment to constructive engagement with North Korea, just after North Korea’s recent nuclear test, and for trying to improve bilateral relations to bring lasting peace to the region.

The Elders, who visited the region in April 2011, also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in North Korea. They would welcome the resumption of humanitarian aid from South Korea, as well as cultural exchanges, technical cooperation and other confidence-building measures.

Under President Park’s leadership, a new phase of bilateral relations is possible and there is high hope this will be characterised by trust and open dialogue. As Archbishop Tutu reaffirmed in his letter, The Elders stand ready to support peace efforts in any way that the parties would find useful.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was another important figure who warmly congratulated Park Geun-hye on her election as the next President of the Republic of Korea, and voiced his readiness to work with the new Government.

According to his spokesperson:“The Republic of Korea is a highly valued and steadfast partner of the United Nations in the work for international peace and security, development and human rights.”

“With this new leadership,” it continued, “the Secretary-General hopes for even more active engagement by the Republic of Korea in advancing the agenda of the United Nations – from the promotion of sustainable development, the fight against climate change, and the contribution to global peace and human rights promotion.”

The Secretary-General, the statement added, stands ready to work with the new Government in promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, including through addressing the humanitarian, nuclear and other concerns regarding the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The eyes of the international community are pointed on the actions the new president will take, now that the promise for a better future seems to be possible.

Mr. Tutu was selected to receive this year’s UNESCO/Bilbao Prize, for “the outstanding role he played in building the new democratic, non-racial South Africa and his invaluable contribution as Chairperson of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to national reconstruction which became a model for other post-conflict societies,” the agency said in a news release.

The Prize recognizes his activism, particularly with young people, to promote non-violence and oppose all forms of discrimination and injustice.

The jury also stressed Mr. Tutu’s contribution to the work of the UN on various human rights issues, including the promotion of a culture of human rights.

Mr. Tutu will be formally awarded the prize on 10 December, which is observed globally as Human Rights Day, by UNESCO’s Director-General, Irina Bokova, at the agency’s headquarters in Paris. The Mayor of Bilbao, Iñaki Azkuna, will also be in attendance.

During the ceremony, the 80 singers of the Choir Invisible, Desmond and Leah Tutu Choir for Peace, UK, will perform a capella compositions inspired by South African gospel and soul music to lyrics by Archbishop Tutu.

The UNESCO/Bilbao Prize is given out every two years and is funded by a donation from the Spanish city. It succeeded the UNESCO Prize for Human Rights Education that was set up 30 years ago. The Prize includes a $30,000 cheque, a diploma and a bronze trophy designed by Japanese artist Toshimi Ishii.