Luncheon Remarks
by H.E. Yun Byung-se
Minister of Foreign Affairs

UN Public Service Forum, Day and Awards Ceremomy
June 23, 2014

Prime Minister Mahathir of Malaysia,
Minister Howlin of Ireland,
Minister Kang Byung-gyu,
Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, and
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me first extend my sincere welcome to all of you to Korea to attend the 2014 UN Public Service Forum, Day and Awards Ceremony. In particular, I would like to thank Prime Minister Mahathir for taking the time out of his busy schedule to honor us with his presence and for invaluable insights provided during the plenary session this morning. Also, my thanks goes to Minister Kang and the Planning Committee of this year’s Forum for their efforts to ensure the success of this event.

Distinguished Guests,

Today we celebrate the UN Public Service Day. I think it is very significant that this important event to improve the quality of public service is being held in Korea, for the first time in Asia. I believe it is a recognition of Korea’s untiring efforts in the field of public service, while at the same time giving Korea a greater responsibility towards international community.
As you are well aware, Korea has achieved remarkable economic development as well as democratization within a very short span of time, with the help of the United Nations and the international community. Today, Korea is one of the leading donors that care for the pain and plight of its neighbors and instill hope around the world. In retrospect, underneath Korea’s economic development and democratization, there was a solid foundation of effective and result-oriented public service that has been built over several decades.

Likewise, as the theme of this Forum indicates, an effective public service must be the cornerstone that supports not only the three pillars of the UN – namely, international peace and stability, sustainable development, and human rights, but also the rule of law that fosters well-being of the people and good governance.

Distinguished Guests,

As you heard from Minister Kang in his opening speech this morning, the Korean government under President Park Geun-Hye is pursuing a policy that puts the “happiness of the people” first, shifting the paradigm of how we operate the government.

“Government 3.0” is a case in point. This is a public service reform program to offer the information to the public even before requests are made for disclosure.

As Foreign Minister of Korea, my role is to extend this concept of people’s happiness beyond Korea. Thus, my Ministry is now pursuing a policy of “happiness of the global village” which is in line with the ideals and the core values of the United Nations.

Specifically, the Korean government is making efforts both bilaterally and multilaterally in order to pave the way toward “the era of happiness of the global village.” Bilaterally, Korea is sharing its unique development experiences with developing countries, by expanding its tailored development assistance mainly through KOICA, and also the Saemaul or the New Community Movement and in many other ways.

Multilaterally, Korea is making efforts to make contributions toward Post-2015 development agenda and sustainable development goals. And upon assuming the presidency of UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in July of next year, Korea hopes to make even more meaningful contributions to the UN development agenda based on our experiences, working closely with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

Distinguished Guests,

Building administrative and institutional capacity is critical to achieving sustainable development and promoting people’s happiness and human security. For this reason, we are ready to extend our assistance to countries that are in the process of building public services.

One of my favorite African proverbs is “go alone if you want to go fast, go together if you want to go far.” Likewise, in order for international cooperation to produce tangible results, donors and recipients must go together toward a common direction.

In this vein, I believe that the unique experiences of Korea that built effective public service infrastructure can be tailored for recipient countries with different historical backgrounds and yield a synergetic and meaningful results.

I hope that this week’s forum will be an excellent opportunity to seek a more advanced public services model for the future by sharing best practices of participating countries including my own country.

In closing, let me take this opportunity to congratulate all those organizations and individuals receiving this year’s UN public service awards.

Thank you very much. /End/