Korea Saemaul Undong Center Holds Global Saemaul Leadership Forum 2015. 

Korea Saemaul Undong Center organized the Global Saemaul Leadership Forum 2015(GSLF 2015) under the theme of “Sustainable Development with Saemaul Undong” with approximately 550 participants from 50 different countries.

Following the opening ceremony on November 24, the main event was held the following day at the Hotel INTER-BURGO DAEGU. GSFL2015 held to discuss the globalization of Saemaul Undong, the Forum continued until November 27.  

Participants shared their rural development experiences and discussed directions for future development. High-profile officials attended the ceremony, including Cambodian Mr. CHEA Sophara Minister of Rural Development, Ugandan Minister for Local Government Adolf Mwesig. 

Those who were unable to personally attend the GSLF 2015 sent congratulatory messages. Republic of Korea President Park Geun-hye, sent video messages to offer congratulations on the hosting of GSLF 2015.

President Park Geun-hye has vowed active support for the growth and spread of South Korea’s rural community development program.

Park said South Korea will develop its community development program, known as the Saemaul Undong, to address the needs of different countries.

The president also stressed the roles and enthusiasm of Saemaul leaders in carrying out the program.

On the day of the Special Keynote Speech, Jeffrey Sachs, director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University delivered an address on the theme of “Saemaul Undong and the Sustainable Development Goals” which was followed by successful Saemaul Undong case story presentations from Ugandan and Myanmar.

Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has called on South Korea to help develop rural economies around the world.

Hwang said the country must work with international organizations to design custom programs that meet the needs of developing countries. and South Korea should share the valuable achievements from its rural development program of the 1970s, known as the Saemaul Undong.

He said the Saemaul Undong instilled in the Korean people a determination of self-support and served as a driving force in overcoming poverty.

He finally stressed the key to the success of the Saemaul Undong is the active role of leaders.

Participants adopted the Global Saemaul Undong Declaration. In it, they agreed to work toward helping share Korea’s experience and development model with more developing countries. 

They also emphasized the need to expand Saemaul Undong by: helping leaders to develop; encouraging the participation of women; establishing cooperative structures between central and local governments; strengthening research into Saemaul Undong; urging the UN to use Saemaul Undong to achieve its 2030 SDG s(Sustainable Development Goals); and seeking greater leadership from the Korean government in sharing the SMU experience.