Seoul: Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul has engaged in pivotal discussions with Achim Steiner, the head of the U.N. Development Programme (UNDP), focusing on amplifying South Korea’s contributions to international development, particularly in education and public administration, as per an official statement released by his office.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, highlighted South Korea’s intent to leverage its developmental experiences to assist other nations. The Foreign Ministry emphasized that South Korea aims to enhance its role in global development by sharing its success stories and strategies in sectors critical for modern governance and educational reform.
Steiner commended South Korea for its developmental achievements, which he described as offering “valuable lessons” to many developing countries. He also expressed his anticipation of South Korea assuming a leadership position in addressing contemporary global challenges such as climate change, artificial i
ntelligence, and digital transformation.
The dialogue also covered ongoing cooperation between South Korea and the UNDP in providing support to conflict-affected regions and countries grappling with humanitarian crises, including Myanmar and Ukraine.
The UNDP, a principal agency of the U.N. aimed at eradicating poverty and achieving sustainable economic growth, operates in over 170 countries worldwide, maintaining a significant presence through its various global offices, including one in Seoul.