- The discussion covered ways to support Korean youth’s bids to build presence in international organizations and to strengthen cooperation on global migration as Korea assumes the chairmanship this year. -

1. On Monday, July 7, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina met with Lee SungAh, Deputy Director General for Management and Reform of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), during the latter’s visit to Seoul. The two sides exchanged views on ways to enhance the partnership between the Republic of Korea and IOM as well as support for Korean nationals seeking careers in international organizations.

※ IOM, headquartered in Geneva, is an international organization with 175 Member States that carries out activities such as humanitarian assistance, resettlement and social integration, to promote safe and orderly migration.

2. Vice Minister Kim expressed appreciation to Deputy Director General Lee for taking part in an International Organizations Career Fair* during her visit to Korea and for offering valuable insights to young Koreans aspiring to work in international organizations. She emphasized that promoting the presence of Korean nationals in international organizations is a top priority for the Korean government, and asked for Deputy Director General Lee’s continued interest and support in this regard.

※ Deputy Director General Lee assumed the position of Deputy Director General of IOM in April 2024 for the first time among Korean nationals. As Deputy Director General for Management and Reforms, she oversees organizational management and strategic planning of IOM. Together with the Director General and the Deputy Director General for Operations, she serves on IOM’s senior leadership team.

* On Monday 7, Deputy Director General Lee delivers a special address at the International Organization Career Fair in Seoul organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. Deputy Director General Lee expressed her hopes to keep sharing with Korean youth her experiences in international organizations and helping them explore more opportunities at international organizations including through IOM’s internship programs.

4. Vice Minister Kim recognized the vital role of IOM in addressing global migration challenges. She emphasized that the Korean government values the visibility and effectiveness of IOM’s contribution, and encouraged it to continue its efforts to ensure the efficient use of resources.

※ In 2024, the Korean government provided IOM with approximately USD47 million in voluntary contributions, including for humanitarian assistance and programs for fragile and conflict-affected countries, ranking 10th-largest among the IOM Member States.

5. Deputy Director General Lee welcomed the opportunity to deepen cooperation with Korea in a wide range of areas, especially as the country serves as the Chair of the IOM Council* this year. She called for continued engagement of Korea to help IOM effectively carry out its core missions — saving lives, finding solutions for displaced persons and promoting regular migration pathways.

* After joining the IOM Council Bureau in November 2021 for the first time, the Korean government served as the Rapporteur in 2022, the Second Vice-Chair in 2023 and the First Vice-Chair in 2024, and is serving as the Chair of the Council in 2025.