2018 KRIHS-IDB Urban Development Academy (KIUDA)

: Opening ceremony for the invitation program for high-ranking government officials

from Latin America hosted by KRIHS and IDB

Date: Oct 15, 2018

Venue: Lotte Hotel, Seoul

Theme: Opening ceremony for the invitation program for high-ranking government officials from Latin America hosted by KRIHS and IDB

The Global Development Partnership Center (GDPC) of the Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements (KRIHS) hosted the opening ceremony of KRIHS-IDB Urban Development Academy (KIUDA) for 17 high-level officials from 11 countries, jointly designed by the KRIHS and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in Lotte Hotel in Seoul.

This workshop is the fourth of the 3-year program jointly organized KRIHS and IDB. The KIUDA has dual meaning, which is to “build” solid relationship between Korea and LAC countries and “build” potential and capacity of urban development by knowledge exchange.

Among the participants in the program were the Vice Minister of Ministry of Habitat and Local Development in Dominique, the Executive President of National Institute of Housing and Urban Development in Costa Rica, the Commissioner of National Commission of Housing and Human Settlements in Honduras and other 14 high-ranking officials from 11 countries.

In the opening ceremony, the President of the KRIHS, Hyunsoo Kang suggested introducing Korea's experiences and strategies and sharing LAC countries’ knowledge and advice in urban sector, emphasizing rapid urbanization in both Korea and LAC countries. Also he highlighted this program will be a good chance to explore new ideas beyond the political, social, and institutional differences between Korea and LAC countries.

The senior specialist in IDB Andres Blanco welcomed Peru and Ecuador as new members in the 4TH KIUDA program and suggested active participation to find applicable solutions to each country considering Korea best practices. In addition, he encouraged to discuss cooperative measures among IDB, KRIHS and participant countries.

On behalf of the government guests, the deputy mayor of Panama City, Juan Vasquez and the Vice Minister of Dominica, Sina del Rosario extended expectation and appreciation to KRIHS and IDB, who organized the program.

Afterwards, the director of the GDPC in KRIHS, Sehoon Park introduced research agendas and achievements of GDPC and suggested topics and areas where mutual collaboration and cooperation would be pursued in the future. Andres Blanco addressed the implications from Korea's development and how they would be applied to LACs and mentioned that the areas including Korea’s territorial plan, new town policy, free economic zone and smart city should be discussed and shared through the KIUDA program. In addition, previous fruitful outcome from cooperation between KRIHS and LAC countries was introduced.

After the opening ceremony, the senior advisor of the KRIHS, Sungsu Choi introduced Korea's experience on economic and territorial development process, and the director of KRIHS, Wonsup Lee explained Korea’s territorial development frame and its history and strategies. During the Q&A session, participants asked questions on Korean territorial development process relevant to each country issues.

During the country report presentation session, LAC countries addressed current status and challenges of each country in the urban sector. Most of the LAC countries pointed the common problems of reckless development and its side effects responding to rapid urbanization, and frequently emphasized sustainable urban development planning.

During the coming 4-day program with lectures, site visits and discussions, KRIHS, IDB and LAC countries are going to share Korea’s territorial planning, urban and housing development experiences and discuss measures for the future cooperation. It is expected that this program would be a great opportunity to develop strong mutual cooperation.