1. H.E. Ham Sang-Wook, Deputy Minister for Multilateral and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea, attended the 2021 Financing for Development Forum, which took place on April 12 in a hybrid format, and introduced the Korean government’s efforts to contribute to overcoming the COVID-19 crisis.

2. At the meeting, hosted by the UN ECOSOC, high-level representatives from UN member states discussed ways to mobilize financing for a sustainable and inclusive recovery from COVID-19 as well as ways to strengthen global health cooperation in areas including equitable access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

3. Deputy Minister Ham explained Korea’s contributions to global COVID-19 response efforts and support for addressing the liquidity needs, including the extension of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI). He also underscored the importance of investment for a green recovery.

4. The Deputy Minister highlighted that the 2021 Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 Summit, which will be hosted by Korea in May, would be a chance to reaffirm the importance of international solidarity in achieving a green recovery.

5. This meeting was an opportunity to strengthen international cooperation in financing for sustainable development. The Korean government will continue to actively help developing countries recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, while engaging in relevant international discussions.