외교부

Welcoming Remarks by H.E. Amb. LEE Taeho

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs,

on the Occasion of the 13^th Seoul ODA International Conference
September 19, 2019

Ms. Lee Mi-kyung, President of the Korea International Cooperation Agency,

Ms. Endah Murniningtyas, Keynote Speaker at today’s Conference,

Mr. Kang Seung-joong, Deputy President of Korea Eximbank,

Excellencies and distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps in Korea,

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning,

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the 13^th Seoul ODA International Conference. I am quite impressed and overwhelmed by the presence of such a large audience today and the sense of enthusiasm vividly felt in this hall. With a history of more than a decade, this annual Conference has led the most up-to-date discussions on wide-ranging issues relating to development cooperation and has truly become a premier platform for discourse on this subject in Korea.

This year, we have on the table an issue very relevant to the current development cooperation landscape: Promoting Co-Prosperity to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Prosperity is one of the three pillars that support Korea’s foreign policy with two other pillars - namely, People and Peace. The 3Ps are also major elements of the SDGs and thus are principles that guide Korea’s development cooperation.

I am fully aware that in spite of its obvious meaning, the concept of “co-prosperity” in the field of international development cooperation is not something that can always be easily accepted. Some express their concerns that this notion may be used to camouflage and justify the pursuit by donors of political and economic interests at the expense of partner countries. In many cases, this concern is indeed vindicated on the ground. However, Korea’s case counters such concerns and demonstrates that development cooperation can serve the interests and benefits of both donor and recipient countries, as shown in a few examples presented by President Lee of KOICA just a moment ago.  

Once one of the poorest countries in the world, Korea achieved economic development and democracy in tandem. The support from the international community played a crucial role. As the world’s sixth-largest exporting country, Korea is now traveling the journey toward achieving co-prosperity with other states in this 21^st century international community. This is why I believe that we should not shy away from the notion of co-prosperity. Rather, we should adhere to principled development cooperation that genuinely pursues common benefits for all.

Development cooperation based on the goal of co-prosperity shared by donor and partner countries can bring more fruitful outcomes in partner countries. For instance, by fostering positive public opinion in donor countries about the shared mutual benefits, the sustainability of development cooperation can be ensured in the longer term.  Also, co-prosperity can be an important guiding principle in the efforts to address the issue of ‘inequality’, which is an emerging global challenge. The policy goal my government has set to build an ‘inclusive society where every person enjoys quality life’ is closely linked to the SDGs’ fundamental principle of “Leaving No One Behind”. Going further, President Moon Jae-in, in his speech at the 2018 APEC Summit, pointed out that ensuring inclusiveness is also important at the international level. In this vein, he reiterated Korea’s commitment to reducing gaps and ensuring fair opportunities through mutually beneficial cooperation among APEC member countries.

Lastly, co-prosperity is essential to bringing all stakeholders on board, particularly the private sector. Governments alone cannot tackle challenges to sustainable development. In order to fill an annual gap of 2.5 trillion USD to achieve sustainable development, we need a diverse range of partners. The private sector by nature places a priority on earning economic value. When geared toward shared value, the concept of co-prosperity can serve to further attract the interest of the private sector in the global development cooperation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Many aid-dependent countries are expected to attain the status of developed countries during the course of the 21^st century. Throughout this development transition, Korea will remain a good and trusted friend as we move forward together toward a world of greater prosperity.

Do Jong-hwan, a renowned Korean poet, once said, “Ivy leaves never rush but move forward at their own speed. When everything lowers its head over an insurmountable wall, one ivy leaf dares to lead thousands of other ivy leaves, with them eventually moving together over the wall.”  Like ivy leaves, the Korean government will continue to make efforts together with others to build a world in which all continue to thrive and the benefits are widely shared.

At this conference today, I look forward to a valuable exchange of ideas on development cooperation and on ways to indeed foster a world of shared prosperity.

Before I conclude, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Lee Mi-kyung, President of KOICA, co-host of today’s conference, and her team for all their hard work and excellent efforts in making the arrangements for this Conference.  My deep appreciation also goes to The Honorable Mr. Yoon Sang-hyun, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee of the National Assembly, who sent a congratulatory message for this Conference and to Ms. Endah Murniningtyas, who is going to deliver a keynote speech at this Conference. I express my appreciation to the ambassadors, moderators, speakers and other experts, for blessing this meaningful event with their presence.  Thank you very much.  /End/