- Reiterating solidarity and cooperation for developing human capital in Southeast Asia –

1. Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Choi Jongmoon attended and delivered opening remarks at the 2021 OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum, together with the Foreign Minister of Thailand, a co-chair of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP), Don PRAMUDWINAI, and OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria on the afternoon of Thursday, May 20.

° In his opening remarks, Vice Foreign Minister Choi introduced the importance and dynamism of Southeast Asia and underscored the importance of human capital development of young generations in ASEAN.

- In addition, he highlighted Korea-ASEAN partnership based on the “New Southern Policy” in particular its emphasis on human capital development.

2. Under the theme of “Human Capital Development in Southeast Asia: Fostering Competitiveness to Build Back Better,” the forum provided a platform for government officials of the OECD member states and Southeast Asian countries to share their insights on △‘Human capital and competitiveness in a digitalizing world,’ △‘Reshaping education and skills strategies for a resilient Southeast Asia’ and △‘Strengthening education and skills systems through effective governance.’

° In the first session on ‘Human capital and competitiveness in a digitalizing world,’ Deputy Minister for Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lee Seong-ho introduced Korea’s VTE (Vocational Training and Education) system designed to cope with digital transformation amid severe impacts of COVID-19 on education and work environment. He also reiterated Korea’s continued commitment to partnership with ASEAN countries including in establishing VTE systems that fit the needs of Southeast Asian countries.

3. Korea, as a co-chair country of the OECD SEARP together with Thailand, will prepare to host a ‘Ministerial Conference of the OECD SEARP’ next year, so that it will contribute to furthering cooperation between the OECD and ASEAN to achieve ‘Building Back Better’ of Southeast Asia.