MAGAZINE KOICA
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HIGHLIGHT
2023.11.08
With local agricultural products, both of farmers and young students 'satisfied'
Food security has become increasingly unstable due to climate crises and conflicts. According to the report 'Impact of Disasters on Agriculture and Food Security' released by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on October 13, disasters over the past 30 years have reduced crop and livestock production worth US$3.8 trillion. These losses were concentrated in developing countries vulnerable to disasters, where agricultural GDP dropped by up to 15 percent. By regions, Asia incurred the most significant losses caused by natural disasters.Cambodia is a country where agriculture is one of the pillars of the national economy. As of 2022, it makes up 22 percent of GDP, with 2.6 million people in the sector. However, agriculture is still underdeveloped in Cambodia. The government has prioritized agriculture and is actively pursuing projects to enhance competitiveness and sustainability by 2030. KOICA is undertaking different projects to support agricultural development in Cambodia. Celebrating World Food Day (October 16), KOICA introduces the projects being implemented in Cambodia.Simultaneously increasing farm income and elementary school attendance rateCambodian students eating lunch made with local produceCambodia is a country with serious nutritional problems among ASEAN countries. In particular, the nutritional status of children aged 6 to 17 is poor. According to 2015 data from the Foundation for International Development/Relief (FIDR) of Japan, 36 percent of children aged 6 to 17 in local schools suffer from chronic malnutrition.The World Food Programme (WFP) has conducted ongoing food aid projects in Cambodia from 1979. Since 1999, it has operated a nutritional meal service program for elementary school students. In 2014, the Home Grown School Feeding (HGSF) project was launched, which aims to enhance students' nutritional status and stimulate the local economy in rural areas by providing lunch made of local food. The first year of the project, WFP established operational guidelines in collaboration with the Ministry of Education after conducting a pilot study in two schools, and they have expanded the program by 30 schools each year, reaching 183 schools as of 2019.KOICA plans to allocate $10 million to the HGSF project over the five years from 2020 to 2024. During the project period, a total of 81.28 million tons of local food will be supplied, and the goal is to facilitate the acquisition of 3,463 tons of these products. As a result, a total of 68,992 students in the provinces of Kampong Chhnang, Pursat, and Kampong Thom are provided with nutritious meals.The HGSF project has proven more cost-effective and nutritionally beneficial compared with other conventional school meal projects, which rely on food aid from international organizations. It costs about $0.055 less per individual meal. The amount equivalent to providing 20g of canned goods and 10g of peas can instead provide 30g of fish, meat, eggs, and 50g of fresh vegetables. Providing high-quality reduces the number of student absence and enhances their focus on learning. Small-scale local farmers and food materials suppliers can boost their income by establishing reliable business relationships without influence from price fluctuations and natural disasters.KOICA subsidies are used not only to purchase local food ingredients but also to support meal infrastructure and enhance the capabilities of those involved in project operations. The HGSF project supplies a range of items, from extensive facilities like stoves and storage for pots, spatulas, ladles, and plates, customized to suit the specific needs of each school. Additionally, the project will develop and distribute educational materials covering topics like food hygiene, safety, cooking methods, and IT-related information.Furthermore, KOICA is implementing a project to facilitate the incorporation of local foods into school lunches and establish a corresponding system.Participants to be shown very positive about HGSF effectsFarmers participating in the HGSF programIn May, WFP announced the findings of an interim evaluation assessing the effectiveness of KOICA's support for the HGSF program. Almost all households (99.7 percent) participating in the interviews reported that their children received benefits from the HGSF program, including daily food provision. The benefits of HGSF were distributed equally to all participants, regardless of gender or household income. WFP said, HGSF is highly relevant to the community s needs for education and nutrition. It provides incentives for families to send their children to school, thereby increasing attendance and reducing dropouts. It was especially effective for children under pressure to earn money for their families. Furthermore, 98 percent of the farmers reported increased household productivity due to HGSF, and 94.9 percent of the food suppliers expressed their interest in participating in HGSF again. Government and local officials said that HGSF had increased their confidence in their ability to carry out their roles. They also requested training in program monitoring. Meeting their needs, KOICA intends to develop additional training programs in response to these requests.In September, Cambodian government officials and WFP staff visited South Korea to learn knowhows about school meal management. They observed the distribution of eco-friendly agricultural products and received explanations about the collaborative system between ministries. Hang Chuon Naron, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth and Sports said, This visit will greatly contribute to improving the completeness of Cambodia s school lunch policy and HGSF program. He added, Thanks to Korea s multifaceted support, Cambodia is creating a brighter future in terms of education, nutrition, and sustainable development. Peace Village Construction Project commenced in the northwest regionBriefing session for the launch of Building Peace Villages through Integrated Rural Community Development KOICA has carried out the Building Peace Villages through Integrated Rural Community Development in the northwest region of Cambodia for five years, started in 2022. The target areas are Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, and Pailin, approximately 350km from the capital Phnom Penh, These northwest regions are among the most underdeveloped regions in Cambodia. As the center of the civil war in the 1970s, these provinces are still socioeconomically underdeveloped and has the largest number of land mines. The number of landmine casualties in the three provinces accounts for 40 percent of all deaths in Cambodia.KOICA plans to invest $10 million by 2026 to support the revitalization of the rural economy in the region. KOICA conducted a joint in-depth survey with the Ministry of Agriculture and World Vision International and selected 30 villages in the region. KOICA provides support to improve living infrastructure. Rather than providing support unilaterally, KOICA aims to enable local residents to develop self-governing capabilities.Residents form a village development committee , which includes a variety of residents, including women, youth, and people with disabilities. KOICA establishes a village development action plan with residents and provides basic training program on drinking water, sanitation, agriculture and others. Furthermore, education is offered to develop basic administrative skills, financial understanding, digital literacy, and gender equality awareness. Afterward, residents identify needs for residential and agricultural water facilities, restrooms, community center, village signage and others, etc., carry out infrastructure improvement projects themselves, and develop self-governance capabilities. Each town can use approximately $65,000.People selecting the village for the project Sustainable agriculture value chain created in project areasBy improving productivity, it also helps increase the income of local residents. Most people in the northwest make a living out of farming. Rice and corn are mainly grown. Battambang Province is an important region that produces the country's third-largest amount of rice (11 percent of the total). However, farmers income is low compared to the resources and effort they put in, and they are vulnerable to natural disasters. In particular, most areas suffer frequent flood damage due to poor water management. In some villages, farmland is flooded for over three months a year. There are not enough places to train farming skills in the village.KOICA has organized an committee to establish a system to train farmers by both periodic on-site visits and remote guidance. The committee is comprised of agricultural experts from the Cambodian government and universities. Each project year, 20 farms with high farming potential are designated as pilot farms. Vegetable and fruit farming methods training tailored to the local environment are provided. It provides detailed information on the entire process, including seed selection, seedling cultivation, and harvesting. Nearby farms also visit the demonstrating farms to learn about this process and apply it to their own farming. Furthermore, agricultural facilities such as irrigation pipes, sprinklers, fertilizers, and pesticides are supplied to targeted farms.Additionally, KOICA offers comprehensive support to ensure the sustainability of the entire agricultural value chain. KOICA develops transportation systems and sales channels for agricultural products, implements the good agricultural products certification system (CamGAP), inspects pesticide residues in agricultural products, and supports the development of processed products. KOICA also supports the development of educational programs and training of instructors at the Basic Technology Training Center and the Vocational Technology Training Center to strengthen farmers' capabilities continuously.In addition, through research support for national universities the plan is to establish a system so that the knowledge and experience of experts can be directly applied to residents' income-increase projects and continue to influence each other as a group of potential supporters. Rho Hyun Jun, former Country Director of KOICA Cambodia Office said, Rural development is the core of KOICA s national partnership strategy. Through new projects, we will support areas where war was fierce to become communities of peace and prosperity.
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INSIGHTS
Mongolia's Journey Towards Gender Equality in Decision-Making
Lee Myeong-shin, Communications Analyst at UNDP Mongolia Country OfficeIn the vast landscape of Mongolia, the traditional nomadic lifestyle is deeply rooted in the fabric of its culture. Gers, the round white felt tents, have served as the traditional homes of the Mongolian people. They have supported their nomadic way of life and culture since before the time of Chinggis Khan.In the heart of these nomadic homes, two columns, known as "Bagana, stand equally in their position. But these are not mere architectural elements supporting the Gers; they are like quiet messengers with a powerful story to tell. These columns serve as symbols of gender equality, with each one representing men and women, beautifully embodying the core principles of harmony and balance in Mongolian culture.Despite this rich culture, gender inequality still prevails in Mongolia; men and women have not been equally seen in decision-making processes. The country currently ranks 133rd in terms of women's representation in decision-making, with only 17.1 percent of parliamentary seats held by women, falling below the global average of 26.5 percent.Today, Mongolian women continue facing insufficient support during their pregnancy and child-rearing while battling against deeply ingrained gender stereotypes. The recent UNDP Gender Social Norms Index report confirms this sobering reality. It shows that 97% of Mongolians hold biases against women, often believing men are better political leaders. These biases, rooted in patriarchal values, create systematic barriers for women in politics and public decision-making. The two columns, known as Bagana, stand equally at the centre of the Ger, the traditional nomadic home of MongoliaEmpowering Mongolian Women in Decision-MakingThrough the support of KOICA, UNDP has spearheaded the establishment and operation of the Women s Leadership Network (WLN), a nationwide grassroots women s network with over 1,800 members since 2021. This network serves as a nurturing ground for women aspiring to enter the domains of politics and leadership. It equips them with essential skills and knowledge, and, most importantly, fosters a community where mutual support and understanding flourish. Joining this network was a real turning point for me. I'll be honest, I was a bit skeptical at first because we came from different political parties. But it didn't take long for us to click. I've learned so much, and what really touched me was the support I received from them. When I faced online bullying last time, my network friends were like, 'Don't worry, we've been there too. Don t give up.' It really helped me get through it, says Enkhchimeg Namsraijav, a first-time elected local politician. The Women's Leadership Network (WLN) members gathered to raise their collective voice about the gender quota issue in front of the Government HouseLast June, Enkhchimeg and WLN members from diverse backgrounds and political affiliations stood together to advocate for a higher gender quota in the legislation. We collected over 3,000 letters from men and women in every province, and it was really amazing! When the parliament meeting was held to re-consider the gender quota issue, it felt like witnessing a brand-new history unfolding. I honestly believe all the work we put in made a difference. says Enkhchimeg with a glint of confidence in her eyes. Gender Champions Leading the Way in Promoting Gender Equality in Decision-MakingEfforts to promote gender equality continue across public, private, and media fields, driven by the initiatives of Gender Champions, a dynamic force within the project. Particularly in political parties, Gender Champions are at the forefront, working tirelessly to enhance gender equality awareness and challenge male-dominated internal party culture. Empowered by diverse gender education and training provided through the project, the Gender Champions actively share their knowledge and skills within their respective political parties. Some people think men don't support women, but that's not true. For me, gender equality isn't about genders; it's about people supporting people. And I m all in for that, says Erkhembaatar Tumurbaatar, the local party member. Local party members take a project campaign pose to express their support for gender equality in decision-makingIn Mongolia, recent legal reforms have increased the quota for women among party candidates from 20 percent to 30 percent in the 2024 parliamentary election and aim to increase it to 40 percent for the following election. Our ancestors understood this for generations that we're all equal. Just like two columns in a Ger, it's not about having more and more in one column; it's about balance. Think about it what if you asked for 30% height in just one column? That wouldn t make a perfect Ger. The same goes for the parliament and the society, as articulated by Enkhchimeg, expectations are set on witnessing a future in Mongolian public decision-making where men and women participate on equal footing.
2023.11.08
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NEWS
Latest issues at a glance KOICA NEWS
In October, hopeful news continued to arrive from all over the world. In T rkiye, an opening ceremony was held for the 'Korea-T rkiye Friendship Village,' a temporary settlement where 500 families affected by the earthquake can stay. In the Philippines, the final performance report of the alternative education project for out-of-school girls in the Tacloban region was held, confirming the value of the educational work once again. Trainees who participated in KOICA's global fellowship program are reported to be working to create a better society in their home countries. These are KOICA news stories in October that bring warmth amid the arrival of the chilly season.NEWS 1. Opening ceremony of Korea-T rkiye Friendship Village established to aid earthquake recoveryCommemorative photo from the opening ceremony of the temporary settlement Korea-T rkiye Friendship Village On October 19, KOICA held an opening ceremony for the Korea-T rkiye Friendship Village in Hatay Province, T rkiye.The Korea-T rkiye Friendship Village is a home for 500 families affected by an earthquake to settle down until the city is restored. This village was created as part of the T rkiye disaster relief project conducted by KOICA and three Korean NGOs (Save the Children Korea, Good Neighbors International, and Korea Food for the Hungry International) with a total funding of $10 million. This project was discussed last March when the Korea Disaster Relief Team (KDRT), which was dispatched for early recovery from the T rkiye earthquake, signed a Record of Discussion (R/D) for the temporary settlement project with the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) of T rkiye.About 150 people attended the opening ceremony, including the Korean Ambassador to Turkey, Lee Won-Ik, the Deputy Governor of Hatay, Bekir Dag, and other key figures and families residing in Friendship Village. They toured the approximately 40,000 square meter village including kindergarten, school, and communal laundry room.Altan Atlanlar, a representative of Friendship Village residents, said, We are grateful to the Korean government and the kind people of the brother country for providing the necessary items so that children can go to school and have no inconveniences in life. They have supported us without leaving us alone during a major disaster. NEWS 2. K-Electronic Procurement Successfully Implemented in Tunisia. Where's Next?Commemorative photo of participants at the 'International Public Procurement Conference' held in Tunis, TunisiaOn October 18, KOICA held the 'International Public Procurement Conference' in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. The conference aimed to inform neighboring countries and international organizations about the results of Tunisia's Electronic Procurement System (TUNEPS) construction project, supported by the Korean government, and to promote the business model.After the Jasmine Revolution in 2011, the Tunisian government made eradicating corruption and achieving economic growth its top priority and subsequently requested KOICA to build a pilot e-procurement system. Accordingly, KOICA conducted two projects with the Tunisian government to develop and expand the Tunisian public procurement system pilot: from 2011 to 2013 and from 2019 to 2023. Tunisia's public procurement system was designed based on the Korea ON-line E-procurement System (KONEPS). This system became mandatory for all Tunisian government ministries and public institutions in 2019. As the system stabilized, the number of bids increased by approximately 10,287% compared to before.Meanwhile, about 80 people attended the conference, including Sun Nahm-kook, the Korean Ambassador to Tunisia, Lee Nam-soon, country director of KOICA's Tunisia office, officials responsible for national procurement policies in Tunisia, Cameroon, and Egypt, and representatives from various international organizations.NEWS 3. Knowledge-sharing video conference by repatriated trainees from three ASEAN countriesOnline knowledge-sharing conference on 'Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Post-Pandemic Era' conducted by repatriated trainees from the Philippines, Vietnam, and CambodiaAlumni from KOICA global fellowship program are drawing attention through meaningful activities in their countries. On October 12 over 180 alumni held an online video conference on the theme of 'Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Post-Pandemic Era.The event was a knowledge-sharing conference jointly hosted by the alumni associations of KOICA alumni from the three ASEAN countries (Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia). It aimed to share each country's development status, social contributions, and research results at the alumni association level and discuss directions for sustainable development in the ASEAN region.Cambodian alumnus and administrative vice-director of the local National Children's Hospital presented the results of a study conducted on 688 Cambodian mothers with the theme 'Breastfeeding Practice Rate among Cambodian Mothers . He suggested various policy improvements, including extending maternity leave for mothers to support their livelihoods, raising workplace awareness, and expanding breastfeeding facilities. The Filipino and Vietnamese alumni also presented the results of the social contribution activities conducted among local residents in the Philippines and the awareness of climate change and adaptation measures among Vietnamese farmers.Through its global fellowship program, KOICA has produced approximately 3,600 alumni from the Philippines, 2,800 from Cambodia, and 5,200 from Vietnam. Some alumni have taken on key government positions, acting as pro-Korean figures and contributing to strengthening public diplomacy between Korea and their respective countries.NEWS 4. The future of Tacloban revitalized through an alternative education projectAlternative education center for out-of-school girls opened in Tacloban, Philippines, which had suffered severe damage from Typhoon Haiyan in 2013On October 6, KOICA held the final performance report of the 'UNESCO Education Project for Out-of-School Girls in Tacloban Region in the Philippines' in Manila, the capital of the Philippines. Philippine government reformed the education system in 2012, extending the period of compulsory education from 10 to 12 years and expanding free education to promote human resource development as a key task. However, the completion rate for secondary education (grades 7 to 10) among children from low-income families was only 31 percent, and alternative education struggled to align with the newly introduced 12-year regular education curriculum, posing challenges for young people in continuing their studies outside of school.Accordingly, for six years since 2017, KOICA has collaborated with the Philippine Ministry of Education and UNESCO to enhance the alternative education system in Eastern Visayas and Tacloban, areas impacted by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, and to improve access to education for out-of-school youth.KOICA achieved remarkable results by developing six types of ALS middle and high school education curricula tailored to the 12-year regular curriculum. The curriculum and teaching materials have been piloted in the Tacloban region since 2018 and are recognized for their excellence. There is also good news that this curriculum and textbooks will be distributed throughout the Philippines starting this year. In September of last year, as part of the project, an alternative education center was constructed in Tacloban for women with relatively lower access to education than men.Alma Ruby C. Torio, Assistant Secretary of the Philippine Department of Education said, 'This project is the result of cooperation between KOICA, UNESCO, and the Philippine Ministry of Education to provide a better life for out-of-school girls. NEWS 5. Korea-Cambodia Friendship Night held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of KOICA Cambodia office opening the Korea-Cambodia Friendship Night eventCelebrating the 20th anniversary of the Cambodia office opening, KOICA aimed to build a new future together with Cambodia. On October 27, KOICA held the 'Korea-Cambodia Friendship Night' with key figures from KOICA and Cambodia. The event was a meaningful opportunity to review KOICA's major ODA achievements over the past 20 years and confirm continued exchange and partnership with Cambodia's new government.Since its opening in 1991, KOICA has built a long-standing relationship with Cambodia through 76 country-specific cooperation projects, which include providing equipment and materials, inviting local government officials to Korea in 1994, and dispatching WFK volunteers in 2003. The new government, led by Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, who took office last August, has detailed strategies such as human resource development, economic diversification, and enhancing competitiveness, aiming to become a high-income country by 2050. The Korean government intends to enhance its partnership with Cambodia and implement a comprehensive Indo-Pacific strategy. Accordingly, KOICA plans to continue active cooperation with the new Cambodian government and increase support for Cambodia. KOICA Cambodia office is already involved in 15 government-specific cooperation projects and 20 projects with the private sector, including Korean NGOs and companies.
2023.11.08
Topics
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[Announcement of contest winners] Take the quiz, win a present of pleasure! KOICA Quiz Event
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Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is Korea's leading development cooperation organization that supports economic and social development in developing countries around the world.Announcement of contest winnersGer****(tru****@gmail.com)Ire****(ire****@gmail.com)SEN****(edw****@gmail.com)Ana****(ana****@hotmail.com)May****(may****@gmail.com)Mai****(mbs****@gmail.com)Nga****(ddd****@gmail.com)Pau****(ssa****@gmail.com)Mar****(kan****@gmail.com)Tin****(ffi****@gmail.com)Jac****(alm****@gmail.com)RE M****(ads****@gmail.com)Shu****(bba****@gmail.com)Sik****(ppo****@gmail.com)Iev****(ccf****@gmail.com)Yel****(eee****@gmail.com)Mas****(pki****@gmail.com)Asm****(ers****@gmail.com)Jel****(uzg****@gmail.com)Swe****(wmd****@gmail.com)Rox****(aao****@gmail.com)Md A****(asa****@gmail.com)Son****(hbn****@gmail.com)Mic****(cxz****@gmail.com)Hol****(bfd****@gmail.com)Kar****(nkm****@gmail.com)Bab****(nna****@gmail.com)Amn****(aal****@gmail.com)Sar****(sar****@gmail.com)Rwt****(rwt****@gmail.com)Far****(lag****@gmail.com)Ulp****(ulp****@gmail.com)Edu****(edu****@gmail.com)Roc****(the****@gmail.com)Dix****(lol****@gmail.com)Kat****(mim****@gmail.com)Kri****(ole****@gmail.com)Pau****(va.u****@gmail.com)Apo****(dam****@gmail.com)Ta A****(taa****@gmail.com)Fah****(fma****@gmail.com)Yaa****(yaa****@gmail.com)Ho O****(hoo****@gmail.com)Opa****(lor****@gmail.com)Kpo****(kpo****@gmail.com)La P****(lap****@gmail.com)Kefo****(kef****@gmail.com)Kal****(kal****@gmail.com)Lat****(lat****@gmail.com)Sal****(kal****@gmail.com) The gift will be sent to contest winners via email. We thank all participants for joining the event.
2023.10.24
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Discussing future of development cooperation: Global solidarity and cross-sectoral approaches in world of challenges
Group photo at the 16th Seoul ODA International ConferenceThe 16th Seoul ODA International Conference was held under the theme "Future of International Development Cooperation: Global Solidarity and Cross-Sectoral Approaches in a World of Challenges" on September 7 at the Lotte Hotel Seoul. Some 330 guests participated, from international organizations, academic, the diplomatic corps in Korea, and donor agencies. Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Oh Youngju and President of KOICA Chang, Won Sam opened the conference, after which panelists discussed the future of development cooperation.The event provided a meaningful opportunity to revisit our shared Sustainable Development Goals and tasks within the international community, and emphasize solidarity and cooperation at a time when we have reached the halfway point in achieving the SDGs, adopted at the 70th UN General Assembly in 2015, by 2030.Panelists noted that complex crises - such as the pandemic, rapidly advancing climate change, the Russia-Ukraine War, rise in conflicts and refugees, and the food and supply chain crises - are undoing the progress achieved through development cooperation and posing threats to peace and prosperity. Many remarked on the less than promising prospects for achieving the SDGs at the current pace."Global cooperation is being challenged due to the complex crisis which threatens the entire world," said President of KOICA Chang, Won Sam in his opening remarks. He emphasized that the global polycrisis needs to be addressed through a cross-sectoral and comprehensive approach, and solidarity in the international community based on the universal values of freedom, peace, and prosperity; the expansion of development resources; and the inclusion of diverse development cooperation actors."Countries that share universal values must engage in solidarity and cooperation for sustainable development that leaves no one behind," said Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Oh Youngju in her welcoming speech. The vice minister pledged to "strengthen partnerships with partner countries, donor countries, and diverse development partners while fulfilling the responsibilities and roles assigned to the Korean government."Carsten Staur, Chairman of the OECD's Development Assistance Committee (DAC), who delivered a keynote speech via video, said, "Whether the concepts of global solidarity, fair and responsible partnership, and burden-sharing can be translated into actionable plans will be the most important topic in future development cooperation."Establishing global governance in response to common challenges Gareth Weir, Deputy Ambassador of the British Embassy in Korea, as a speakerThe conference kicked off with the first session on Indo-Pacific Strategy and International Development Cooperation. Professor Kim Tae-gyun of the Graduate School of International Studies at Seoul National University, who served as the moderator, remarked, The central theme of the first session revolves around the question of whether global governance can be established by addressing common challenges through regional partnerships and collaborative efforts among stakeholders. He added, Korea, having transitioned from a recipient country to a donor, is anticipated to play a bridging role. The first speaker, Gareth Weir, Deputy Ambassador at the British Embassy in Korea, discussed the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific region, emphasizing its substantial influence on global economic growth and its central role in key supply chains. He also outlined the four core themes of the UK's international development strategy launched in 2022. They were: honest and reliable investments, realizing women's and children's potential, providing humanitarian aid, and reducing the risk of future health threats. Deputy Ambassador Gareth Weir said, The UK is shifting towards global multilateralism to address fundamental human challenges, emphasizing, We require a more inclusive and innovative multilateral system that allows all countries around the world to have a voice. Heath Cosgrove, the Representative to the Republic of Korea and Japan of USAID and Development Cooperation Counselor, introduced the five principles of the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy (Free & Open, Connected, Prosperous, Resilient, Secure) that were announced in 2021. Heath Cosgrove remarked he is proud to have contributed to laying the foundation for international development cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region through trilateral collaboration between Korea, the United States, and Japan. He added, Poverty, instability, climate change, and public health crises affect us all and are problems that no single country can address in isolation. He also emphasized, "To make progress in addressing these issues, we must collectively confront common challenges and work together towards shared goals through partnerships."Niloy Banerjee, the Resident Representative of UNDP Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei Darussalam, emphasized the necessity of global governance and stated, It is time to establish a new paradigm for development cooperation. He further underlined, We must identify shared challenges to redefine ODA and collaborate on solutions together. Director-General Won Do-yeon of the Development Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, Korea is actively pursuing multilateral diplomacy to establish itself as a global pivotal country, and said that Korea continues to invest in UNDP and various international organizations while serving as a member of the Security Council. He also affirmed, Korea is committed to safeguarding universal values such as human rights and the rule of law, and intensifying its efforts to collaborate in international development. Conference hall viewSolidarity on a global levelThe second session, themed Regional Complex Crisis and Innovative Partnership, was chaired by Kang Minah, professor of the Department of Public Administration at Ewha Woman s University. Presenters discussed how to respond to future crises, defined regional partnerships, and debated how strategic partnerships can be applied to strengthen regional cooperation.Citing the Human Development Report 2021/2022 (Human Development Report), Pedro Concei o, Director of the UNDP's Human Development Report Office, said, "We could see that people's mental health has worsened since the pandemic," explaining that complex and multiple new uncertainties such as political and social polarization, and unusual global changes such as climate crisis and biodiversity loss are also linked to worsening mental health. Emphasizing solidarity at the global level, he argued that the international community should work together to transform and change the world through innovative approaches. T rkiye is a champion country of regional cooperation, said Rahman Noordan, Vice President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), who began by saying that humanitarian support is being provided through bilateral and multilateral cooperation. In addition, he said, We are engaging in development cooperation with certain principles, such as not causing harm and responding sensitively to the region, and introduced examples of humanitarian support conducted under strong partnerships with partner countries such as Somalia, Palestine, and Afghanistan.Kang Minah, a professor of public administration at Ewha Woman s University, chairing the second sessionPeteris Ustubs, director of Middle East, Asia and Pacific at Directorate General for International Partnership of EU Commission, said that the EU is ready to play a constructive role in the field of international development cooperation" and introduced a Team Europe style approach that creates a sum greater than the parts by pooling each other s expertise, resources, and efforts and carrying out joint relief activities, along with 'Team Europe' including EU member states, various executive agencies, and public development banks. He said, Innovative solutions are desperately needed to address the explosive demand for humanitarian assistance within limited resources, and added, The flexibility of partnerships is needed more than ever. Roslyn Morauta, Chair of the Board of the Global Fund, said, "Since its launch in 2002, the Global Fund has been at the forefront of the fight against infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, saving more than 50 million lives." She affirmed, "We will strive to make the world safer from health threats by establishing a more inclusive and resilient sustainable health system." When asked how the partnership could contribute to resolving the crisis, she introduced malaria eradication efforts in five countries: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. He also informed us that malaria incidence and mortality rates have decreased by more than 90% since 2000 through diverse collaborations with governments and NGOs.Presentation by Pedro Concei o, Director of UNDP s Human Development Report OfficeThe need for inclusive partnerships and a new paradigmThe theme of the third session, chaired by Rachael Calleja, a Research Fellow at the Center for Global Development (CGD), was 'The Future of International Development Cooperation for Coexistence and Prosperity. The first speaker, Carlos Javier Castillo P rez, General Director of Planning and Evaluation at the Mexican Agency for International Development and Cooperation (AMEXCID), introduced an example of the 'Conditional Cash Payment Program' that AMEXCID has implemented as a donor country over the past year. The conditional cash payment program was an example of supporting farmers and youth in El Salvador and Honduras. It was carried out by depositing funds directly from Mexican banks into the beneficiaries' accounts rather than through other government agencies. As a result, there was a significant decrease in migration rates, attributed to investments in agricultural and technical education, as well as the development of job infrastructure.Tormarbulang Lumbantobing, Chief Executive Officer of the Indonesian International Development Agency (Indonesian AID), emphasized, 'For international development cooperation aimed at coexistence and prosperity, cooperative and inclusive solutions are not optional but imperative.' He added, 'To truly foster a partnership, third parties or partners must be able to participate and collaborate in various projects and support programs actively. He again emphasized the importance of cooperation and solidarity, saying, Through inclusive partnerships and cooperation, we can achieve many things that will transform the international community. The final speaker, Mine Yoichi, Executive Director of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Sadako Ogata Peace and Development Research Institute, noted that trends in development cooperation have evolved significantly over the past few decades. He emphasized, To address challenges with complex chain effects, we need a new paradigm that fosters horizontal cooperation and solidarity among various entities. He discussed 'bottom-up collaboration,' which empowers people in crisis to respond to challenges independently. He explained that the essence of 'human security' lies in securing financial resources based on solidarity, combining protection and rights promotion, and emphasizing community resilience.Chair of the third session, Rachael Calleja, Research Fellow, Center for Global Development (CGD)"The complex crises and development challenges we face today demand a fresh approach and more actors," said Vice President of KOICA Hong Seok-hwa in his closing remarks. "Cooperation is more urgent than ever. Let's harness collective wisdom to adapt to the evolving situation, and work toward shared prosperity of humanity and world peace."The 16th Seoul ODA International Conference served as an opportunity to review development cooperation efforts and projects that aim to overcome global crises, while allowing discussions on the direction of development cooperation in the future. KOICA will continue to promote integrated support, cooperating with actors including the private sector and civil society, and leverage KOICA's unique development experience to expand partnerships.
2023.10.06
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Building up human capacities through KOICA scholarship program
2023 KOICA Scholarship Program OrientationThe 2023 KOICA Scholarship Program has begun. Starting on August 17, KOICA held four orientation sessions for 378 students who came from 45 countries and were selected for this year's program, to help them settle in Korea during the course of their studies.KOICA's scholarship program, which is part of our Capacity Improvement & Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) program, supports public officials from developing countries in pursuing master's and doctoral degrees at Korean universities. Upon completion, graduates are able to return to their home countries and contribute to economic and social development. The program consists of degree programs that are consistent with the government's policies and the international community's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year's program consists of 24 courses, including gender leadership in Asia, climate change response, water management, global health security, and digital innovation. Of the 378 students selected, 372 will participate in the master's degree program (17 months), while the other six will engage in the doctoral program (36 months). During the period of training, students will participate in lectures and research at Korean universities, interact with Korean experts, and build a network of contacts here. Group picture of the 2023 KOICA Scholars 1The KOICA Degree Program is well known for producing outstanding global talent every year. In fact, Kenneth Mahuni, an economist at the Zimbabwean Ministry of Trade and Industry who was selected for the program in 2015 and completed his master's program at Ajou University, was awarded the 2021 Amartya Sen Prize by the International Economics Association (IEA) for his graduation thesis. Group picture of the 2023 KOICA Scholars 2"One of KOICA's strategic tasks is to promote sustainable development by nurturing human resources through academic education and training, to support talented individuals from developing countries," said Vice President of KOICA Hong Seok-hwa, in his welcoming remarks at the orientation. "We hope that during your time in Korea, trainees will engage in academic research and collaborate with a variety of experts, and that the knowledge and experience you gain will have positive impacts in your home countries." 1. I have served as the Director of the Department of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine at the Tamale Teaching Hospital in Ghana and as the Acting Director of the Blood Center at the National Blood Institute. I have also served as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Development Studies.2. KOICA is very active in Ghana. When we built the infectious disease treatment center at the hospital where I work, they supported us several times, and they also supported us with water tanks to supply water to the hospital during the dry season when water is scarce. So, I have had a very good impression of KOICA for a long time. I found out about the scholarship program through the program brochure distributed by KOICA. I know it was distributed to all institutions and ministries in Ghana.3. Ghana is a member of the World Health Assembly (WHA). I would like to contribute to shifting Ghana's policies towards complying with international health regulations and strengthening its global health security capabilities. I would also like to use the knowledge I have gained in Korea to train various public health officials in Ghana to help build my country's capacity to prevent and respond to infectious diseases.4. Ghana and South Korea have similarities. We both endured colonization by the British and Japanese, respectively, and both have come out of periods of poverty to develop. South Korea is the only country in the world that has gone from a low-income country to a high-income country, so I want to learn all the aspects that have allowed it to develop during my studies.1. I worked as a public health nurse at a district health center, the lowest level of health care in Indonesia. Then, with the support of KOICA, I did my master's degree at Yonsei University in South Korea from 2018 to 2020. Shortly after, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government saw that I had a master's degree in global health security from South Korea and placed me in the COVID-19 public support team. Before coming to Korea this time, I worked as a public health advisor in Indonesia.2. In Indonesia, KOICA alumni hold regular meetings where they invite prospective students and government officials to attend, and I was encouraged to apply for the program by the alumni I met there. I experienced the high quality of education in Korea during my master's program. I wanted to take on the challenge of studying in Korea again, as highly distinguished professors are here.3. I have worked in policy as a public health advisor in Indonesia, but during my time in the COVID-19 public outreach team, I realized that I love to do research. Through this PhD program, I hope to get the training to move into the research field. I also love to teach, so when I return home, I would like to work as a researcher and lecturer in a national research institute or public university.4. I would like to learn more about laboratory and technical work during my studies, as I don't have much experience in laboratory and technical work. I would like to publish a paper in a high-quality journal. I am very interested in zoonotic diseases and would like to research and write a paper on them. Also, I would like to discuss with my professor if research in this area is possible in the lab I will be joining.1. Early in my career, I worked in a small community health center providing primary care; I also gave immunizations and looked after the health of pregnant women and the elderly. I then worked as a district health officer, managing the overall system for an area, and moved to the Ministry of Health, where I am now a senior public health officer making health policy and planning programs.2. In my current position, I need to upgrade my knowledge in the policy aspect. I applied for the scholarship program because I thought that learning about Korea's health policy system would help me build the capacity of my country's health system. I am very excited to be able to study at the world-renowned Yonsei University.3. I would like to work in the field of policy and planning as I currently do. My country has many health problems, both old ones like tuberculosis and cholera, and new ones like dengue fever. Fifteen years ago, dengue was not a common disease in Nepal. Also, about 71% of the causes of death in Nepal are non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and other heart diseases, so I want to create sound policies to help Nepalese people manage and prevent these health problems.4. I would like to learn about Korean culture and other development issues outside of the classroom. Many countries lose their unique culture during development, but the Korean people have done a great job preserving it. Through the different programs I have participated in, I have felt that the Korean people understand their customs and history well.KOICA's Global Training Initiative (CIAT) in figures
2023.10.06
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