Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made his first significant public appearance in Korea since stepping down as the leader of the Liberal Party earlier this year. He spoke at the 26th World Knowledge Forum in Seoul, where he emphasized the need for resilience in a rapidly changing world. Trudeau is represented by the Speaker Booking Agency, which lists his speaking fees at $100,000 or more.

During his keynote address, titled "Leadership and Resilience in a Time of Transition," Trudeau highlighted the challenges facing global stability. He noted that the rules-based order established over the past 80 years has fostered unprecedented peace and prosperity. However, he warned that current global issues, including artificial intelligence, the Ukraine-Russia conflict, tensions in the Middle East, and U.S.-China relations, pose significant threats to this order.

"What we must build now is resilience," Trudeau stated, addressing an audience of global business and political leaders. He pointed out that, for the first time in many years, autocracies outnumber democracies, according to a report from the University of Gothenburg’s V-Dem Institute, which counted 91 autocracies compared to 88 democracies in 2024.

The theme of this year's forum, inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, was "New Odyssey: Navigating the Great Transition." Despite the challenges, Trudeau encouraged optimism, asserting that the future relies on "communities of good people." He stressed the importance of resilience, saying, "To navigate the transition, resilience should be in the middle of it. We need every single person to be part of the resilient communities, societies, and systems."

Trudeau also praised South Korea's democratic resilience, referencing the recent political turmoil that followed former President Yoon Suk-yeol's attempt to impose martial law. This crisis led to Yoon's impeachment and the election of former opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who has since implemented reforms to curb executive power. "Thank you for showing us how to fight for democracy at a time when too many around the world are taking it for granted," Trudeau remarked.

His appearance at the forum attracted significant attention, with many attendees eager to take selfies with him. Trudeau also engaged in a one-on-one dialogue with provincial governor Lee Cheol-woo, discussing how Asia-Pacific partnerships can promote inclusive and sustainable prosperity amid global changes. Lee is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in November.

Trudeau's visit follows a summer spent traveling with his three children, which included trips to Switzerland, Italy, and western Canada, as well as a notable dinner with pop star Katy Perry.