HIGHLIGHT
2024.11.07
'Yet surprisingly, ODA changes the lives of countless people'
Outstanding WeKO members taking a commemorative photo at the Tacloban ALS Education Center"It s amazing that so many people in our country are working together to help the Philippines." Han Soo-ryeon, a member of the 2nd WeKO group, expressed admiration when she attended the 30th-anniversary ceremony of the KOICA Philippines Office held in Manila, Philippines, on September 26. The event was held to commemorate KOICA's 30-year history of providing grant aid to the Philippines since 1991 and to explore future cooperation plans with key partners. The ceremony was attended by about 180 people, including Lee Sang-hwa, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines; Kim Dong-ho, Director of KOICA; Kim Eun-sub, Country Director of the KOICA Philippines Office; and representatives from donor agencies and international organizations. Ms. Han, who is majoring in sociology in college, was invited as an outstanding member of KOICA Global Supporters WeKO, which promotes KOICA s international development cooperation activities. In addition to Ms Han, five young people from WeKO, including Kim Do-hwi, Park Hye-ryeong, Lee Joo-hee, Im Won-bin and Shin Ji-won, were invited to visit KOICA project sites in the Philippines from 23 to 27 September.Venue for the 30th Anniversary Event of the Opening of the KOICA Philippines OfficeCommemorative Photo for the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Opening of the KOICA Philippines OfficeFocus on health and education in the Philippines due to "record damage" The first area they visited was Tacloban, which suffered the most damage from Super Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines in August 2013. Tacloban is the main city of Leyte Province in the Central Visayas of the Philippines. More than 10,000 people, or over 5% of its total population, died as a result of Typhoon Haiyan. At the time, many countries and international organizations, including Korea, dispatched emergency relief teams and supported recovery efforts, but it was not enough to create a blueprint for long-term reconstruction. At this time, the project areas that KOICA focused on were health and education. This was because it was essential for the long-term reconstruction of the region to address the high maternal and child mortality rates and poverty issues that had arisen as a result of the typhoon.First of all, KOICA launched the Maternal and Child Health Promotion Project in the Eastern Visayas Region of the Philippines in 2021, targeting 16 vulnerable areas in the Visayas region, including Leyte and Eastern Samar. In addition to basic medical support, KOICA also facilitated resident participation activities, policy advocacy initiatives, and educational programs. To date, KOICA has provided local health education to 3,539 people and home visit services to 46,205 households in the process. KOICA also offered training for health professionals, resulting in the development of 276 local health workers, and supplied 11 ambulances. During this visit, WeKO members visited a health facility in the Bulod area, where vulnerable residents reside after being relocated to avoid disaster-prone areas affected by floods and landslides after Typhoon Haiyan, and reviewed the project achievements to date.Bulod Health Center and an ambulance provided by KOICAResidents of Bulod receiving health care education from officials at the health facilityCommemorative group photo with officials from health facilities in the Bulod area alongside KOICA staff and WeKO membersSupporting women's learning and self-reliance through alternative education projectsA representative educational initiative is the 'Education Project for Out-of-School Girls in the Tacloban Region, UNESCO, Philippines,' conducted in collaboration with UNESCO since 2017. Aiming to support women who lost educational opportunities after Typhoon Haiyan in becoming self-reliant, various initiatives were implemented, including the establishment and operation of the 'Tacloban Alternative Education Center' and the provision of educational and employment opportunities for women. In particular, the ALS (Alternative Learning System) curriculum and teaching materials developed by KOICA were piloted in Tacloban City in 2018 and expanded nationwide in the Philippines by 2023, benefiting more than 400 students and 8,000 teachers. Women who graduated from the ALS Education Center are in their 20s to 40s and have continued their careers through employment after graduation.Young participants from WeKO, who visited the Bulod District Public Health Branch, the Tacloban ALS Education Center, and attended the 30th-anniversary ceremony of the KOICA Philippines office, said in unison, We were able to see that our country is collaborating with various stakeholders to address global challenges. Lee Joo-hee said, I realized the need for international development cooperation projects when I saw children playing energetically despite the poor conditions in damaged areas like Tacloban, adding, After witnessing KOICA's efforts, I felt that as a citizen of my country, I should continue to be interested in development cooperation projects and seek ways to help. Below is a Q&A with outstanding WeKO activists Han Su-ryeon and Lee Joo-hee.Class scene at the ALS Education Center in Tacloban Panoramic view of the ALS Education Center in TaclobanQ What is the background for your participation in this overseas itinerary?When participating in WeKO in 2020, my team won the grand prize for its active involvement, which allowed me to accompany this itinerary. I've always been curious about how projects operate locally and their impact on the community, so being a part of this event is truly meaningful to me.Q Who is the most memorable person from this trip?One beneficiary student I met during my visit to the ALS Education Center remains the most memorable. She was the mother of three children and was studying at the ALS Education Center. I vividly remember her crying as she told me how, when she was young, her family's financial situation was challenging, and she had to give up her studies to work and support her younger brother's education.It saddened me to reflect on how the lives of Korean mothers might have been similar when Korea was a recipient of foreign aid like the Philippines, and it broke my heart to realize that there are still people facing similar circumstances today. I felt proud that KOICA was addressing this issue through international development cooperation.Q Please share your impressions of visiting the ODA project site as a representative of the Korean people.I lived in Laos for 1 year and 6 months, during which I often had the opportunity to meet KOICA employees and volunteers. Seeing people who left their comfortable lives to serve in challenging and difficult environments made me realize that a project is accomplished by mobilizing significant amounts of money, time, and manpower for the sake of a country, which sparked my interest in KOICA. As I participated in WeKO activities, my desire to see how things actually work in the field grew, and this valuable opportunity for me to take part in was incredibly meaningful. In particular, I had the opportunity to hear, experience, and learn firsthand how KOICA plans and operates its projects in collaboration with various partners, how these initiatives are tailored to local needs and situations, and what tangible results they are producing. I felt honored to experience this field in person as a representative of the Korean people, and I pledged to maintain my interest in international development cooperation activities in the future.Q If given the opportunity, would you like to visit the project sites again? If so, what would be the reason?Yes, if I get the chance, I would like to visit project sites in other countries. Since each country has unique social and cultural contexts, the types and methods of projects needed vary as well, which would provide me with a valuable learning experience. I want to see and learn directly from the field to understand how projects are tailored to meet the specific needs of each country, and I hope to use the feedback from these experiences to consider better ways to promote development cooperation.Q Any specific direction for development cooperation for the benefit of future generations, including youth?I believe that development cooperation should move in a direction that increasingly emphasizes sustainability and inclusiveness. In particular, I think that future cooperation led by the youth generation should go beyond merely providing economic support to focus on fostering self-reliance and promoting the long-term growth of local communities. Additionally, as various challenges arise with technological advancements, I believe that projects addressing these issues should be integrated into international development cooperation activities.Q Finally, please share your thoughts.Through KOICA's meaningful opportunity, I was able to explore various sites and gain a new understanding of the significance of development cooperation through in-depth conversations with beneficiaries. For me, who had been concerned about my career prospects before graduation, this event was not just an experience, but an opportunity to redefine the direction of my life. I'd like to express my gratitude to KOICA for providing me with this wonderful opportunity. I will continue to join KOICA on its journey to create a better world. Thank you!Q What is the background for your participation in this overseas itinerary?I gained experience in international development cooperation through WeKO activities, during which I was deeply impressed by KOICA's initiatives. I participated because I thought it would be an opportunity to see the ODA project firsthand as a representative of the Korean people and to raise awareness about its importance among more people. Q Please share if there is a particular place or episode from this itinerary that stands out as the most memorable for you.When I visited the flood damage site in Tacloban, Philippines, I witnessed a region starting anew after overcoming the devastation of the typhoon. I especially remember the young children running around and playing energetically, even in such challenging circumstances. Through my experience there, I was able to feel firsthand the need for development cooperation and realized that KOICA's support was making a tangible difference in the local community.Q Who is the most memorable person you encountered during this overseas itinerary?What I remember most is Kim Eun-sub, the director of the KOICA Philippines Office. Director Kim, whom I met in person at the site, passionately explained KOICA s various initiatives. I was greatly inspired by his passion and dedication for my future endeavors.Q You visited the ODA project site as a representative of the Korean people. Please share your impressions.I was able to feel how many lives were being transformed by international development cooperation. As I met the local residents who benefited from the project in person, I realized that it was providing them with great hope and strength. Through this visit, I hoped that public interest and participation in ODA would grow further.Q As a young person and a representative of the Korean people, what would you like KOICA to do?I hope that more young people will have the opportunity to participate in international development cooperation in the future. I expect various content and programs to be created to promote the importance of ODA, along with a platform to make it easier for the public to participate. In particular, I hope that KOICA will provide more opportunities for young people to broaden their global perspectives and grow in their local and international communities.Q Any direction for future development cooperation you think is necessary for the benefit of future generations, including youth?I believe that development cooperation for future generations should prioritize sustainable development and environmental protection. Beyond short-term support, I believe that development cooperation should focus on helping local communities become self-reliant, and that it's important to provide young people with opportunities to grow through direct participation and problem-solving experiences. I hope that development cooperation will move toward understanding the essence of collaboration and working together to create a sustainable world. Q Finally, please share your thoughts.Through this experience, I was reminded once again of the importance of international development cooperation. I am honored that the relationship that began with WeKO has evolved into my role as a representative of the Korean people, and I will continue to take small actions for environmental protection and sustainability in the future. Through the RECORE brand, I aim to share the value of eco-friendly practices with more people and grow the brand into one that fosters change together.
HIGHLIGHT
'Dream of working for an international organization? You need to grow into the talent they covet.'
Yang Da-young, young expert at UNICEF Bangladesh Office Those interested in development cooperation hope to work for an international organization such as the UN. In fact, many young people turn their eyes abroad to realize their dream of joining international organizations. For such individuals, Young expert Yang Da-young is a good example and mentor. She is currently pursuing her dream at the UNICEF Bangladesh Office. How did she get to where she is now? She said that it all started when she met KOICA.Examining the pouches delivered by beneficiaries employed at the factory after receiving vocational training at the project site, together with a counselor from the Korean EmbassyQ Please introduce yourself. Hello. My name is Yang Da-young, and I have been working as an education consultant at the UNICEF Bangladesh Office since June of last year.Q What kind of work are you currently doing at the UNICEF Bangladesh Office?I am currently in charge of the Alternative Learning Program (ALP) in the education team of the Bangladesh Office. This program, run by UNICEF's Bangladesh Office, provides vocational training aimed at strengthening the capabilities of out-of-school youth and is an important support project that offers opportunities for job creation and income growth.I am in charge of the overall monitoring and communication of this program, and I am also developing a system that can monitor various ALPs within the team in real time. This system is currently in pilot testing and will soon be deployed in the field. I feel anticipation and excitement every day as I think about the day approaching when this monitoring system, in which I actively participated in developing, will be used throughout Bangladesh.Q Please tell us about your most memorable activities while working at the Bangladesh Office.The most memorable activity was the monitoring experience where I was able to visit the site, meet the beneficiaries in person, listen to their stories, and see how the project we were working on was having a positive impact on their lives. These field experiences have always been an important source of nourishment for me and a driving force to continue doing this work.Among non-work activities, I particularly remember various staff events, such as the seasonal fruit festival and the Bangladesh New Year celebration, organized by the Bangladesh Office every year. Through these events, foreign employees were able to experience Bangladeshi culture and interact naturally with local colleagues.Students sharing and discussing the qualifications and start-up process necessary for a successful venture through the vocational training program s start-up expert courseQ When did you first realize that you wanted to work for an international organization?Actually, it's not that I had a clear dream to work in an international organization since I was young. Rather, as I accumulated various experiences, I naturally became interested in the field of international development cooperation. After entering university, I tried to make the most of my vacation each semester by participating in various activities. In the process, I learned more about the field of international development cooperation and developed a dream of working in this field.Q I understand that your first connection with an international organization was through the college student volunteer group KOICA-UNV (UN Volunteers)*. Please tell me in detail about the process you went through to reach your current position.I actively utilized KOICA programs and various support projects to enter international organizations. If I start looking for a job from the beginning on the recruitment website of international organizations, the competition is so fierce that I may get a call from no more than one or two, even if I submit dozens of applications. This is because I thought that if I approached it that way, the barrier to entry would be too high, as it is a stage where people from all over the world are competing. I decided that it would be more effective to actively utilize various Korean government support projects that only Koreans can compete with.In fact, in the case of the United Nations, even UN volunteer positions such as UNV require a master's degree and relevant experience and activities, so I gained experience through the KOICA Youth Mid-Term Volunteer Corps and the KOICA Young Professional (YP)** program and received a master's degree in international educational development cooperation. In the case of the KOICA-UNV college student volunteer program, at the time I applied, only undergraduate and graduate students with deferred degrees were eligible, so I applied near the end of graduate school and was able to join the Cambodia Office of the UN World Food Program (WFP) as a KOICA-UNV member immediately after completing my master's degree.After completing my volunteer work, I actively took advantage of the opportunity provided by KOICA's Preliminary Survey Expert Dispatch Program. With the experience I gained during that time, I was able to apply for my current consultant position at UNICEF Bangladesh. * Internship system that provides opportunities for work experience in the development cooperation field at UN-affiliated organizations** A field experience-centered project aimed at cultivating young talent in the field of development cooperation by providing them with field experience while working in overseas offices and international organizations, ultimately developing them into development cooperation expertsCelebrating the Bangladeshi New Year called Pohela Boishakh with her teammates in traditional costumesQ Please tell us how the KOICA program or support project helped you in that process.My experience working in developing countries through the KOICA program served as a great advantage when applying to become a KOICA-UNV college student volunteer, consultant, and KOICA Multilateral Cooperation Officer (KMCO)*. Since practical experience in developing countries is important when applying to international organizations, my volunteering experience in Cambodia as a KOICA Mid-Term Volunteer, my work in Rwanda through the KOICA Young Professional Program, and my career in Kenya and Tanzania as part of the KOICA Preliminary Survey team may have been important factors in reaching my current position. Recently, thanks to these experiences, I was given the opportunity to become a KMCO, and I will soon be moving to UNICEF's Ghana Office. KOICA, which provided me with the opportunity to gain a variety of overseas work experiences, greatly contributed to my career development.* A program for professionals in various fields with a passion for international development cooperation to work in international organizations that have signed agreements with KOICA, such as the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Program (WFP)Fruits prepared by the Office for a festival to enjoy together the diverse fruits grown in BangladeshQ Can you tell us about the merits of working in an international organization?I think the biggest benefit is the opportunity to bring about real change by directly intervening in influential factors such as policies, curricula, and systems of a country through international organizations. Although it takes time and discussions with many people to accomplish such changes, I feel greatly rewarded and proud to be able to participate in and contribute to the process. Additionally, the welfare and benefits offered by international organizations are very attractive. The United Nations provides 30 days of leave per year, and you have the flexibility to take more if needed. You can take vacation whenever you want without worrying about what your boss thinks. I also try to take a vacation of at least two weeks to a month to truly rest. On top of that, if you are hired as a full-time UN employee, you will be eligible for excellent welfare benefits, including settlement support fees, spouse and child support allowances, insurance benefits, and pensions. Q On the other hand, please tell us about the most difficult or challenging experience you had while working in an international organization.I think one of the biggest challenges is the lengthy hiring process and the working environment. In the case of the United Nations, once hired, you cannot continue to work in the same office. Even full-time UN employees must transfer to another country office by reapplying every 3 to 4 years, depending on the country. Additionally, many positions are on a contract basis, and as the end of the contract approaches, it is challenging to go through the endless recruitment process of searching for job postings, applying, and having to pass interviews again. Of course, this process can be an opportunity for continuous self-development, but it is also true that after going through the hiring process several times, you may wonder where to go when this contract ends.In addition, if you work at a country office other than the UN headquarters, you will mostly be in a developing country, which means you may face poor living conditions and, at times, dangerous situations. There are also many times when it is inconvenient not to be able to obtain essential daily necessities, but if you want to work in this field, you must endure this level of difficulty to some extent.Q Please give some advice to juniors who want to work in international organizations.I am still in the process of finding and pioneering my own path, but what I would like to emphasize is the importance of setting specific and detailed goals rather than having the vague aspiration of "I want to work at an international organization." International organizations do not simply assess administrative capabilities. They seek talent with specialized knowledge and experience in specific fields. That is to say, it is crucial to have the practical ability to enter the field immediately and perform the work.Additionally, rather than simply obtaining a degree in international development cooperation, it is better to identify a specific field that you are truly interested in, such as nutrition, health, education, or the environment, early on and aim for an international organization that focuses on that area. This approach can significantly increase your chances of success. I recommend that you closely examine the projects and positions offered by the international organizations you are interested in and think specifically about the direction in which you can grow as an expert in that field.Rather than aiming to 'enter an international organization' from the beginning, I believe it is important to first identify a field that you truly want to pursue and build a career in that area. It is never too late to take on the challenge of working for an international organization after gaining a variety of relevant experiences and building your career, so please seize as many opportunities as possible. There are not many employees of international organizations who started their careers in those organizations from the very beginning. I recommend that, even now, you think specifically about the field you really want to work in and identify the more detailed areas within that field.Visiting the project site in Bangladesh to monitor and discuss with the partner organization's staffQ What do you think you will be doing in 10 years?In fact, when working in this field, you can foresee only until the end of your current position's contract, and it is very difficult to predict what country, position, or work you will be doing, even in the near future. Nevertheless, what is certain is that even then, I will still be doing what I love, and I will have become a more mature and better person than I am now. My goal and desire are to become a better person than I am today and to continue striving for that.Q If you have something to say to KOICA, please say it.When I list my experience of actively utilizing KOICA programs and support projects to date, I realize there are so many programs I participated in, including the KOICA Youth Mid-Term Volunteer Corps, KOICA Young Professional, KOICA-UNV, KOICA Preliminary Survey, KOICA project-linked expert activities, and KMCO. I feel that I have truly benefited from these diverse opportunities. I am very grateful to KOICA for giving me the opportunity to participate in such a variety of programs, and I will continue to engage in various initiatives if given the opportunity in the future.
2024.11.07
NEWS
Latest issues at a glance KOICA NEWS
KOICA is making various efforts to implement sustainable development cooperation projects. It also undertakes diverse projects to promote ODA (Official Development Assistance) and raise awareness of KOICA among more people at home and abroad. Recently, online and offline events aimed at actively engaging with the MZ generation have been held and received a positive response. This month's KOICA News begins with the announcement of the winners of the KOICA Character PeKO Meme Contest.📰 NEWS 1. Announcement of the winners of the PeKO Meme Contest The winning entry of the PeKO Meme Contest from August 26 to September 30KOICA has announced the winners of the "PeKO Meme Contest," which was held on KOICA's official Instagram from August 26 to September 30, featuring the theme of "PeKO," its Social Network Service (SNS) character. This contest consisted of three sections: 'PeKO Words,' where participants filled in lines in speech bubbles; 'PeKO Jaejjaljaejjal,' which involved creating witty 'jjal' (an internet term for photos, pictures, or short videos); and 'PeKO Friends,' where participants designed friends for PeKO.The best entry in the PeKO Jaejjaljaejjal category was Yoo Hee-won s work, which cleverly utilized the internet buzzword, People who like PeKO fold one finger! The earth was folded in half that day. The best entry in the 'PeKO Friends' category was created by Kim Jae-hyo, with four characters embodying the values of People, Planet, Prosperity and Partnership, along with Peace, symbolizing KOICA, which represent the 5P core values pursued by KOICA. Additionally, other entries featuring various ideas in speech bubbles, including sympathetic messages and PeKO couplets submitted in the PeKO Words category, garnered significant attention from netizens.📰 NEWS 2. KOICA-produced web drama "Development Man and Woman" - the talk of the town KOICA-produced web drama Development Man and Woman Episode 1The web drama 'Development Man and Woman,' produced by KOICA and released on October 11, is generating significant buzz. 'Development Man and Woman' is a two-part romantic comedy that humorously portrays a blind date incident arising from the confusion between 'development' in the context of 'international development cooperation,' referring to ODA projects, and 'development' in the realm of software development at an IT company. The two released episodes are drawing attention, having exceeded 1.75 million views and 2.88 million impressions on social media platforms (YouTube, Instagram) within about a week.'Development Man and Woman' is gaining attention as a creative approach to engaging the general public by using a relatable theme of 'blind dates' for people in their 20s and 30s and subtly introducing the organization, making it a natural and effective promotional tool rather than directly promoting KOICA. Furthermore, the ending scene of the first episode sparks curiosity about KOICA with the line, "Do you know about KOICA?" The epilogue of the following episode addresses this curiosity with an explanation of KOICA, seamlessly linking it to an introduction of the organization's work. You can watch 'Development Man and Woman' on KOICA's YouTube channel 'Let's KO'.📰 NEWS 3. 2024 Global Talent Training Project Integrated Information SessionPoster for the 2024 KOICA Global Talent Development Project Integrated Information SessionOn October 30, KOICA held an integrated online and offline information session for the 2024 KOICA Global Talent Development Project at the community house 'Masil' in Jung-gu, Seoul. The Global Talent Development Project is KOICA's flagship public participation program designed to provide a career pathway for young people to experience international development cooperation sites around the world and develop into global talents.This information session, themed "KOICA Gl-Ta Unboxing: Prepared Everything, Not Knowing What You Want," provided information on various programs, including the Overseas Volunteer Corps, UNV University Student Volunteer Corps, Multilateral Cooperation Expert (KMCO), and KOICA Overseas Office Youth Intern/Coordinator, along with an opportunity to learn about the participation experiences of seniors, all in one place.In addition, as pre-events, information display on each global talent development project program, one-on-one customized consulting with KOICA staff, a game booth to find the "country of assignment fit for me", and a photo exhibition of the winners of the World Friends Korea (WFK) Volunteer Group Activity Photo Contest were also held to add to the overall interest and engagement of the participants. 📰 NEWS 4. MOU with foreign development cooperation agency to participate in FASA Fund At the FASA Fund signing ceremony held at the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C., Jung Yoo-ah (center), Head of KOICA's Multilateral Cooperation and Humanitarian Assistance Office, Dina Esposito (right), Assistant to the Administrator for the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security at USAID, and Per Fredrik Ilsaad Pharo, Director of the Department for Climate, Nature, and the Private Sector at NORAD, pose for a commemorative photo.KOICA signed an MOU for participation in the 'FASA Fund' with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) at the Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C., on October 24 at 5 p.m. (local time). The FASA Fund is a project jointly announced by the USAID Administrator and the Director General of NORAD at the UN General Assembly in September 2023, created and operated by the two organizations with a total investment of $70 million, $35 million each. With the MOU, KOICA will invest more than $1.25 million over the next five years to help generate additional resources for the FASA Fund, which provides low-interest financial assistance to small and medium-sized agribusinesses in Africa. Through this agreement, KOICA expects to expand its global influence by enhancing its network with global donor agencies, increasing support in the blended finance sector, and retaining decision-making rights in major funds such as the FASA Fund.📰 NEWS 5. '2024 Second Half African Region Overseas Office Meeting' heldCommemorative Photo of the 2024 Africa Region Overseas Office MeetingKOICA held the 2024 Second Half African Regional Overseas Office Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from September 30 to October 1, bringing together headquarters staff and deputy directors from 15 African regional overseas offices. This meeting was held to share project cases and discuss collaboration among practitioners implementing successful projects in the African region. The meeting continued with the exchange of good and problematic project cases in Africa's three main sectors: education, health and agriculture, the discussion of priority issues in the African region and the definition of future strategies. In addition, group discussions and the collection of opinions on the status of project implementation in conflict-prone countries, follow-up measures for the Korea-Africa Summit, and new projects were also conducted. KOICA evaluated that the meeting laid the foundation for effectively supporting project operations in Africa in 2025 by facilitating the exchange of opinions among working-level officials.
2024.11.07
Topics
'Sustainable Development Cooperation for Future Generations' Looking for a wise path
On September 4, the 'The 17th Seoul ODA International Conference' was held at the Lotte Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, under the theme 'Sustainable Development Cooperation for Future Generations'. The international conference, jointly organized by KOICA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was attended by some 370 participants, including Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang Insun, KOICA President CHANG Won Sam, development agencies from various countries, major international organizations, academia and the diplomatic corps in Korea. They reflected and exchanged views on sustainable development cooperation for future generations who will lead the future in a rapidly changing and diversifying international society. In addition, best cases of development cooperation that were directly promoted or participated in from the perspective of different development cooperation agencies were also shared. As the theme of this conference suggests, future generations from various countries who will lead the future of the world attended the conference as audience members and speakers, attracting attention.In 2015, the international community adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focus on building a better future for both current and future generations, with inclusivity and sustainability at their core. Sustainable development refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. KOICA President CHANG Won Sam, Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Insun, KOICA Vice President Lee Yun-Young, Deputy Secretary General of ASEAN Satvinder Singh, Senior Advisor of Convergence Ritesh Thakkar and other dignitaries pose for a commemorative photo. KOICA President CHANG Won Sam mentioned the Sustainable Development Goals at the beginning of his opening remarks, saying, "It is the promise of the international community to create a global village of solidarity by reducing the development gap through policies so that the present generation can find better ways for the future and future generations can leap forward to become leaders of sustainable development." "The crisis we are currently facing in the international community is also a challenge for future generations," he added. "The international community is presenting various alternatives to encourage global cooperation and an inclusive approach, as well as the participation of future generations, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals."Panoramic view of the conference hall Kang Insun, Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, also said, "The future generation is not just a beneficiary of the results of the current generation's concerns and efforts, but the protagonist who will develop and implement the vision of sustainable development through creativity and innovation," and emphasized the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, saying, "We must understand development cooperation, think together and build consensus."In his keynote speech, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann highlighted the current situation in developing countries, where climate change and socio-economic disparities are increasing insecurity, and the resulting challenges for the international community, and suggested ways to make the most effective use of ODA resources. He reiterated the importance of active cooperation among development partners, including close cooperation among aid donors, financial transparency of ODA in developing countries, reducing barriers to private investment, striking a balance between increasing profits and attracting investment, developing innovative models for sustainable development cooperation, and expanding private investment.KOICA President CHANG Won Sam giving an opening speechActive cooperation and coordination from the international community The 17th Seoul ODA International Conference was divided into three sessions. The first session held in the morning was under the theme of Development Cooperation Strategies and Policies for Future Generations. UN Assistant Secretary-General Kirsi Madi, who was the first speaker, said, "Gender equality is not only something that must be achieved morally, but also a task for the international community that must be achieved for sustainable development". She emphasized, "The participation of women and girls is essential to achieving gender equality, which is not an option, but an important part that must be realized". "Only a few partner countries have concrete budgets for gender equality and women's empowerment, and nearly a quarter of women and girls still face significant threats to food security, with 110 million girls living in poverty," she said. She called for active cooperation and coordination from the international community, saying, "Depending on what actions and measures the international community takes in the coming years, this will be a turning point where there may or may not be visible change."Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Insun giving a welcoming speechSatvinder Singh, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, chose "sustainability" and "digital transformation" as the two keywords that ASEAN, of which he is a member, is working on. To achieve this, he said, "ASEAM expects to create new jobs through the circular economy, blue economy and carbon neutrality plan, and that sustainability and digitalization will be important axes for ASEAN's development and growth."The third speaker, Song Jiseon, Assistant Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, discussed the role of international development cooperation, including Korea's development cooperation, in overcoming the challenges of the present and future generations, and what activities are being undertaken in the field of development cooperation to encourage the participation of future generations. Conference attendees enjoying the celebratory performance (above) by the Areumdeuri Choir, composed of multicultural childrenProfessor Song said, "Now is the time to turn words into action. The ultimate goal of development cooperation can be achieved by involving more diverse participants in development cooperation in the private sector, and by reconciling differences between the private and public sectors to overcome differences." She continued, "The participation of young people, the future generation, in development cooperation can be said to be in its infancy," adding, "There is a need to actively communicate and consult with future generations through a more proactive approach."Song Jiseon, Assistant Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, speaking at the first session entitled 'Development Cooperation Strategies and Policies for Future Generations' Expectations for change through innovation and strong partnerships The theme of the second session was 'Innovative Models of International Development Cooperation for Future Generations.' Ritesh Thakkar, Senior Advisor and Head of Asia Pacific at Convergence was the first speaker. Convergence is a global blended finance network that brings together an ecosystem of organizations, including ODA providers, various financial institutions, the private sector, and philanthropic organizations. He presented a plan to attract private capital, which is reluctant to invest in development cooperation because of the high risk involved, based on various mixed finance data collected by Convergence. He explained that "blended finance is about reducing risk and having the public sector and philanthropic institutions jointly lead the overall transaction," and talked about strategic financing measures that make the private sector attractive for investment. He expressed his hope, saying, If more ODA funding is provided through private sector mobilization, I think we will be able to utilize much more blended finance. Ritesh Thakkar, Senior Advisor and Head of Asia Pacific at Convergence, presenting at the second session on 'Innovative Models of International Development Cooperation for Future Generations'Mohamed Abdel-Kader, USAID's Chief Innovation Officer, introduced the innovation tasks currently in progress, emphasizing that "responding to the global food and climate crises, defending democracy and fighting corruption, protecting freedoms and human rights around the world, and promoting global health security are USAID s top priorities." He added that USAID's 10,000 employees work in 82 missions in 100 countries, and that the most important key to accomplishing various innovation tasks is that "USAID cannot do everything alone, and when it comes to implementing projects, partnerships and networks with partner organizations are important".Darren Karjama, Lead of Strategic Relations at the Green Climate Fund (GCF), spoke of the reality of the climate crisis. Noting that $1.3 trillion was mobilized in global climate finance in 2021-2022, he said the environment and new business models need to be created through greater investment to spur innovation in climate finance. He then presented ways to mitigate risk through blended finance and further innovate the financial sector through the use of climate-friendly green finance, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, forest conservation, and climate change adaptation. He added, A paradigm shift requires a complete change in the way governments, businesses, and society operate. KAIST professor Kyung Ryul Park, chairing the third session on Hopes and Challenges from the Perspective of Future Generations Looking at future generations as a subject of development cooperationThe third session, under the theme of Hopes and Challenges from the Perspective of Future Generations, was a time to get a glimpse into the perspectives of future generations. The first speaker was Kenneth Mahuni, a graduate student in economics from Mauritius. Beginning his presentation on issues from the perspective of the future generation and the characteristics of the future generation, he said, "Africa is a young continent with a very young and dynamic population with an average age of 15 to 35," adding, "Future generations in partner countries are adept at using new technologies such as IT and AI, and are highly creative and dynamic." Noting that he was also one of the beneficiaries of ODA and had the opportunity to study in Korea and received various assistance, including from the KOICA program, he said, "I have learned that every development story has a starting point," adding with hope, "Above all, the fact that Korea, which received assistance from the international community, became an OECD member and donor country proves that 'nothing is impossible' under any circumstances." UWISHEMA Aime Vedaste, ICT Education Officer at Rwanda's Ministry of Education, quoted Nelson Mandela's words, "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world," and presented a vision that the future should be created through the use of new technologies such as ICT. Having worked with various education development partners to improve education in Rwanda, he made a bold statement: "Through collaborative efforts, we must not only solve the challenges we face today, but also ensure that future generations can move forward with resilience."Attendees listening to the conferenceThe last presenter, Joonwoo Park, Field Office Director of the DR Congo Country Office, UNDP, said, "We have implemented a variety of innovative methods, including artificial intelligence, digital transformation, climate, smart technology, and blended finance, but only 15% of the SDG goals have been achieved as planned," expressing his concern, "The remaining challenges to achieve the 2030 vision will remain more difficult for future generations."Citing the African proverb "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together," he delivered a message to future generations, saying, "It is important to receive investment, but at the same time it is necessary to take care and check for yourself what is happening on the ground. He also stressed that in emphasizing the importance of development cooperation, it is necessary to value not only the final results, but also the progress and achievements made little by little.After all the presentations were over, Lee Yun-Young, Vice President of KOICA, conducted the closing ceremony. In his closing remarks, he said, "Today, we reviewed the direction and implementation status of development cooperation in the international community, focusing on the SDGs, and discussed with various development cooperation agencies the direction of development for future generations from their perspectives." "In the first session, we were able to see the importance of the SDGs in addressing the basic needs of the current generation while ensuring the demands of future generations, and how the SDGs and the lives of future generations are directly linked," he continued. He added, "In the second session, we were able to recognize the direction of innovative development cooperation for future generations and the pivotal role of innovation in achieving the SDGs through business cases that apply innovative financial resources and new technologies to the development sector in the midst of the complex crisis facing the international community." He also expressed his thoughts, saying, In the last session, participants in international development cooperation projects, including KOICA s country-specific cooperation projects and degree training programs, shared valuable experiences gained in the process of growing into leaders of the future generation through their project participation experiences. Vice President Lee also said, In order to effectively respond to the various global challenges we face, it is necessary to explore international development cooperation strategies and measures in which future generations, who are the core of sustainable development, participate as major players rather than simply beneficiaries of development cooperation." He concluded the 17th Seoul ODA International Conference by saying, "In the future, both the government and KOICA will make efforts to listen more to the voices of future generations in the process of promoting international development cooperation strategies".
2024.10.08
'We will save' Colombian women's power that revived village farms
Members of the women s cooperative Asopalmira in Nari o, ColombiaColombia is a representative country where the regional economy has collapsed due to a civil war that has lasted for the past 60 years. Armed guerrilla groups repeatedly clash with government forces, and with drug cartels becoming involved, the issue of residents leaving rural areas is emerging. Low productivity due to seeds that are vulnerable to climate change and pests, as well as inadequate post-harvest management, is also a concern for Colombian farmers.Discover women's cooperativesKOICA staff who visited a women s cooperative in Colombia Since 2021, KOICA has been implementing a project to support increased farm incomes in 12 conflict-affected municipalities in Colombia. One of the key features of this 5-year project, which involves an investment of $6.8 million (approximately 9.1 billion won), is its focus on female farmers.KOICA has selected 26 women's cooperatives that produce marketable goods and supports them with facilities to enhance productivity. Additionally, KOICA provides training to cooperative members in accounting, technology, and digital skills to strengthen their capabilities. Marketing support is also provided to enhance the market competitiveness of the products produced by the women s cooperatives. To ensure the ongoing economic activity of female farmers, efforts are being made to secure stable sales channels and provide technical support for the INVIMA sanitation certification system to enable the distribution of products to large cities.According to the United Nations SDG Index Score, Colombia's gender equality rate is approximately 68%. This places Colombia at 92nd out of 149 countries, which is relatively low on a global scale. It is significantly below the Latin American regional average of 84%.Expand public investment A representative of the women s cooperative promoting their own cocoa products The Colombian central government is implementing various national-level policies to enhance women's economic empowerment. However, budget execution at the local government level is not being properly carried out. To address this issue, KOICA is providing technical support for gender policy development, as well as promoting local government infrastructure development and public investment.Gender training for public officials is also being implemented. This aims to expand a culture of gender equality in the public sector and create an institutional cooperation structure that enables women to participate in local government partnership strategies. KOICA supports collaboration mechanisms for local governments that manage partnerships between civil society, the UN, and businesses to promote women s entrepreneurship. The aim is to drive policies and investments that support women s economic activities.Educational spaces will also be provided to expand fundamental rights related to gender equality. In these spaces, training to improve women's rights will be conducted, gender equality communication strategies will be developed, and gender equality campaigns involving local residents will be planned.This project also involves participation from UN Women and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). They have agreed to create a cultural environment to address issues such as poverty, gender violence, adolescent pregnancy and childbirth, and the deprivation of employment and training opportunities faced by indigenous and Afro-Colombian women in conflict-affected areas. INTERVIEW From farmer to entrepreneur... My life has changed Interview with the president of AsopalmiraIngrid Germania Ampudia, president of Asopalmira Ingrid Germania Ampudia, who is leading the women's cooperative Asopalmira in Nari o, Colombia, is 30 years old this year. She joined the cooperative as a farmer when she was 15 years old, 15 years ago. Asopalmira was selected as a recipient of KOICA s income improvement project, which provided them with facility support and capacity-building training. Ingrid said, I am happy every morning when I see the crops growing on the farm, adding, It is also a moment when I gain the strength to move forward for my two daughters. Q. Please introduce the Asopalmira cooperative.A. The cooperative has a total of 45 members, 90% of whom are female heads of household or victims from conflict-affected areas. The cooperative has been producing and processing cocoa for the past 20 years. In the last 5 years, we have focused on producing cocoa products added with pepper as our main product.Q. How did your cooperative's connection with KOICA begin?A. Answering this question makes my heart swell with emotion. The first thing I want to say is that KOICA and UN Women are providing incredible support. Our cooperative had been producing cocoa and related products for a long time, but we needed improvements in quality. Fortunately, participating in the KOICA project made that possible. In particular, this KOICA project, unlike those of other organizations, employed a gender approach that went beyond merely involving women in the business process. As a result, the women in the cooperative were able to grow not only as farmers but also as entrepreneurs.Q. What is the biggest change when comparing your current life to the past?A. I now see myself not just as a female farmer, but as an entrepreneur. The biggest change was discovering my identity as a free and independent woman. Q. Could you tell us about the main achievements of the Asopalmira cooperative?A. Our cooperative has participated in several national marketing events with great results. Through these events, we have met important potential customers, and our products have received recognition both domestically and internationally. These experiences have been instrumental in strengthening our cooperative's competitiveness.Q. The Asopalmira cooperative has also participated in national marketing events and achieved good results, hasn t it?A. That's right. The biggest achievement from participating in these events is that the cooperative was able to meet very important potential customers not only locally but also nationally. It has given us hope that we can expand into other markets. Our products have already won awards at both national and international cocoa quality competitions. Highlighting these achievements has helped attract the interest of many customers.Commemorative photo of cooperative members with their familiesQ. Have there been any changes in the lives of cooperative members?A. With KOICA's support, the women in our cooperative have improved cocoa quality, and the cooperative has moved to a more advanced stage of industrialization. As a result, production time has been reduced, work has become easier, and time spent with family has increased. These changes have allowed us to nurture dreams of a greater future.Q. What are your goals for the future?A. Our goal is to strengthen crop production and product manufacturing lines, improve product quality, and grow into a large enterprise where the women in the cooperative receive fair compensation. We have already achieved many successes and we believe we can accomplish this goal as well.Q. Finally, is there anything you would like to say to KOICA?A. We sincerely thank you for providing the foundation for the growth of our cooperative. We ask for your continued support and attention in the future. Please keep an eye on our cooperative as we strive for further development.
2024.10.08
Latest issues at a glance KOICA NEWS
A lot of good news has come in this month, especially from the Asian region. KOICA President Chang Won-sam visited three Central Asian countries and discussed in depth ways to cooperate and expand ODA (Official Development Assistance) projects in those countries. The completion ceremony for a nutrition education center was held in Pakistan. Here, KOICA plans to conduct research on nutrition, which is directly related to the health of the Pakistani people, and to train human resources. Another piece of good news is that our government's support project for Attapeu Province, Laos, which suffered extensive flood damage from a dam collapse in 2018, has been successfully completed.📰 NEWS 1. KOICA, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Reviving the Miracle of the Saemaul Movement At the signing ceremony of the MOU on the Saemaul Development Project Implementation Cooperation, (from left) Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min, and KOICA President CHANG Won Sam are taking a commemorative photo. On August 29, KOICA signed an 'MOU on Cooperation for the Implementation of Saemaul Development Projects' with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and Gyeongsangbuk-do. In the future, the three organizations will work together to create a modernized model for the content and methods of the Korean Saemaul Movement and promote it as a project to overcome the challenges currently facing rural areas in developing countries.Existing rural development projects were supplier-centered, focusing on increasing income through enhanced agricultural productivity. However, the new Saemaul development project strengthens the capabilities of farmers and increases the social capital of the village through trust among residents. Through this project, 300 professional Saemaul education instructors and Saemaul administrative officials from around the world will be trained. It is expected that approximately 20,000 village leaders will be developed through local training.📰 NEWS 2. MOU with the Korean Red Cross for Overseas Humanitarian SupportKOICA President Chang Won-sam (right) and Korean Red Cross Chairman Kim Cheol-soo are taking a commemorative photo at the MOU signing ceremony for cooperation in humanitarian aid projects held at KOICA headquarters.KOICA and the Korean Red Cross respond quickly to disasters and effectively carry out humanitarian aid projects. On August 30, KOICA signed an MOU with the Korean Red Cross to strengthen collaboration in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.This agreement was signed to respond more quickly and efficiently in the event of an emergency disaster by sharing the information and global networks of KOICA and the Korean Red Cross. In the future, the Korean Red Cross plans to cooperate under the One Team Korea initiative and strengthen the collaboration system with various domestic organizations that promote humanitarian support projects, including NGOs and companies. In particular, KOICA expects that by cooperating with the Korean Red Cross, it will be able to expand the scope of activities of the RAPID project, an overseas disaster response cooperation initiative, and explore more diverse methods of humanitarian support.📰 NEWS 3. Drawing a K-Silk Road with three Central Asian countriesA commemorative photo taken by KOICA President CHANG Won Sam during a courtesy visit to Tajik President Emomali RahmonKOICA President CHANG Won Sam visited Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan from September 5 to 12 (local time) to discuss friendly cooperation with high-ranking government officials and inspect ODA project sites.President CHANG signed a renewed MOU on development cooperation with the Kazakhstan International Development Agency (KazAID) on the 5th and visited Tajikistan on the next day to discuss expanding ODA cooperation with President Emomali Rahmon. In Uzbekistan, he signed the record of discussion on the National Assembly Broadcasting System construction project and attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a Korean model kindergarten and early childhood experience center. In addition, various areas of cooperation were discussed with Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, including strengthening youth capabilities through vocational training, smart farms, and water resource management. This visit is evaluated as an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation with Central Asia ahead of next year's 'Korea-Central Asia Summit.'📰 NEWS 4. Assuming the nutrition education in Pakistan Panoramic view of the Korea-Pakistan Nutrition Education Center building, completed at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Punjab, PakistanKOICA held a completion ceremony for the Nutrition Education Center at the Agricultural University Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, on the afternoon of September 19 (local time). The three-story Nutrition Education Center, equipped with a dormitory, conference rooms and laboratories, will serve as a research institute and talent training facility responsible for nutrition education and food analysis throughout Pakistan. Here, master trainers (nutrition teacher training instructors) trained in Korea provide nutrition education to approximately 12,000 people, including school personnel, health workers, and clinical nutritionists, in cooperation with universities in five provinces across Pakistan. The trained personnel then spread education to 120,000 residents, including students and parents, in each village.📰 NEWS 5. Laos flood relief project ends after 5 years of sweat and tears At the project end briefing session of the 'Integrated Program to Strengthen Climate Change Response Resilience and Self-Reliance Capacity in Attapeu Province, Laos,' key figures including Kim Myeong-jin, Country Director of the KOICA Laos Office, Leepao Yang, Lao Vice Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, and Bounserth Setthilad, Vice Governor of Attapeu Province, posed for a commemorative photo.The Korean government's efforts over the past five years have paid off. The Korean government, which has carried out various aid projects to rebuild Attapeu Province, Laos, after it suffered flood damage due to a dam collapse in July 2018 and to respond to climate change, has brought them to a successful conclusion. On September 19 (local time) in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, KOICA held a project closing briefing session for the 'Integrated Program to Strengthen Resilience and Self-Reliance Capacity to Respond to Climate Change in Attapeu Province, Laos.' KOICA has provided integrated support in the areas of health, child protection, disaster management, agricultural development, and vocational training to help residents become self-reliant and make a living by improving their ability to respond to climate change, going beyond simply recovering from damage and building a better future.Kim Myeong-jin, Country Director of KOICA Laos Office, said, This project has contributed to improving the quality of life of residents beyond damage recovery by providing integrated support in the five sectors. Leepao Yang, Lao Vice Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, expressed gratitude for the Korean government's support for the early reconstruction of Attapeu Province and the improvement of residents' living conditions.
2024.10.08
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