Participants of the 15th Seoul ODA International Conference pose at the Shilla Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of KOICA

By Kang Seung-woo

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) held the 15th Seoul ODA International Conference, Thursday, aimed at exploring Korea's role as a global pivotal state and the direction for official development assistance (ODA).

The Seoul ODA International Conference is an annual platform that brings together various actors in international development cooperation including in the government, private sector and academia to discuss the latest issues in development.


The 15th edition, under the theme "Expanding Horizons for Global Development Partnership," was held in a hybrid format and its participants included KOICA President Sohn Hyuk-sang and Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Do-hoon.

"Global threats such as the climate crisis, conflicts and COVID-19 are rendering development problems increasingly complex. In order to respond effectively, it is important to not only expand development financing, but also include diverse development cooperation actors for a comprehensive and integrated approach," the KOICA president said in his opening speech.

He added that some emerging donor countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey and Kazakhstan were strengthening regional cooperation by carrying out human capacity strengthening and development cooperation projects in neighboring developing countries.

"Korea and KOICA will continue striving to establish a new global development cooperation system that encompasses traditional and emerging donors," Sohn said.


"In this era of global crises, the concept of development cooperation is undergoing a major shift from a focus on closing the gap between donor and partner countries to inclusive international cooperation for the resolution of global challenges," the second vice foreign minister said.

"The challenges facing the international community call for diverse actors to cooperate in innovative ways within the framework of multilateralism."

The conference proceeded in four sessions: "Global Pivotal State: Charting a New Path for Korea's Development Cooperation in an era of Global Uncertainty"; "New Emerging Donors, Changing Landscape"; "Exchanging Knowledge, Embracing New Experiences"; and "Incorporating Diversity, Broadening Partnerships."