Korea Saemaul Undong Center held Global Saemaul Undong ODA Conference 2020 from November 25th to 26th, 2020, under the theme of ‘Global Saemaul Undong after the COVID-19 Crisis’

Facing the unprecedented difficulties due to the COVID-19, the Conference was prepared to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among SGL* member countries and institutions participating in Global Saemaul Undong and to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of international development cooperation projects.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Conference within 50 participants was organized under the strict observance of preventive guidance (Body temperature check, social distancing, etc.). There were programs including presentations on SMU projects in SGL member countries and discussion on the new method of international cooperation and direction of implementing Global Saemaul Undong after COVID-19.

The Conference was attended by Mr. Chung, Sung Heon (President of Korea Saemaul Undong Center), Mr. Lee, Jae Kwan (the Head of Local Administration & Decentralization Office of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety), foreign ambassadors and diplomats, and other experts of international cooperation. And it was broadcasted live on YouTube for global Saemaul leaders.

In his opening address, President Chung has said “Today, in the pandemic crisis of COVID-19, we have gathered here to find the real meaning of coexistence. Our will to overcome the crisis by philosophy of Saemaul Undong, which are Diligence, Self-help, and Cooperation, can lead us to the new society and civilization.”, emphasizing the global solidarity and collaboration of all over the world.

H.E. LONG Dimanche, the Ambassador of Royal Embassy of Cambodia has said in his opening congratulatory remarks, “We do wish to take a good model of Korea to inspire the real context of Cambodian society. As the COVID-19 pandemic will end in the future, the economic recovery plan should include the rural development, agricultural land use and technology, as well as the consideration on the effect of the climate change.”

H.E. Thant Sin, the Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar has said in his closing congratulatory remarks, “Currently, Myanmar is working hard to develop all sectors including the national economy. Therefore, I strongly believe that the Global Saemaul Undong ODA Conference will be very meaningful and invaluable for developing countries like Myanmar in accelerating community development.”

Governmental awards were given to 186 people who has contributed to the implementation and spread of Saemaul Undong in South Korea and worldwide. Acceptance speeches of Global Saemaul Leaders were given via the pre-taken video.

*SGL(Saemaul Undong Global League, 2016~) is a network platform in which every member countries or organizations can share their success cases of Saemaul Undong based on their strong mutual cooperative partnerships. Since the foundation in 2016, 46 countries have signed up for the League.

Opening address of the President Chung, Sung Heon

Preventive measures (Body temperature check)

Congratulatory Remarks of Hon. Miguel Pereira de Carvalho (Minister of State Administration, Timor-Leste)

Congratulatory remarks of H.E. LONG Dimanche (Ambassador of the Royal Embassy of Cambodia)

Congratulatory Remarks of H.E. Thant Sin (Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar)

Presentations on Saemaul Undong in Papua New Guinea by H.E. Andrew YAMANEA (Ambassador of the Embassy of Papua New Guinea)

Foreign Ambassadors during the Conference

International Students during the Conference

Commemorative Photo of Seminar 1 (November 25, 2020)

Discussion on Global Saemaul Undong after COVID-19 Crisis : Saemaul ODA Projects

Q & A Session during the Discussion

Commemorative Photo of Seminar 2 (November 26, 2020)