Saemaul Undong Central Federation Appoints International Cooperation Advisor

The Saemaul Undong Central Federation has appointed Hong Seok-hwa, a former executive director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), as its international cooperation advisor. The federation announced the appointment on Monday, highlighting its strategic importance for expanding the global Saemaul Undong movement and bolstering international cooperation.

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We will pursue international cooperation projects that practically contribute to the economic and social development of developing countries based on the Saemaul spirit of diligence, self-help, and cooperation.

Hong Seok-hwa brings extensive experience in international affairs, having served for 36 years in diplomacy, including as ambassador to Nicaragua and Guatemala. More recently, as a standing director at KOICA since 2022, he was instrumental in shaping national development cooperation strategies, strengthening partnerships with developed countries and international organizations, and overseeing development projects in various regions.

The federation expects Hong's expertise to significantly enhance its international cooperation initiatives and global outreach. He will provide advice on the federation's international projects and support efforts to expand global partnerships and promote the values of the Saemaul Undong movement worldwide. Hong stated his commitment to contributing to the economic and social development of developing countries through practical international cooperation projects based on the Saemaul spirit of diligence, self-help, and cooperation.

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We will spread the modern value of the Saemaul movement worldwide through results-oriented projects that contribute to achieving the SDGs and expanding domestic and international partnerships, and strive to improve the quality of life for residents in partner countries.

Kim Kwang-lim, president of the Saemaul Undong Central Federation, expressed confidence that Hong's rich diplomatic experience and expertise in international development cooperation will be a great asset. The federation, which leads the Saemaul Undong Global League with 51 member countries, actively promotes community development and capacity-building projects globally. It plans to further expand international cooperation for global prosperity and sustainable development. The federation will also host the first Saemaul Diplomacy Group meeting on June 19th to discuss strengthening communication with diplomatic missions in Korea and enhancing sustainable international cooperation.

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We expect the role of Advisor Hong Seok-hwa, who has rich diplomatic experience and expertise in international development cooperation, to be a great help in expanding the global Saemaul movement and strengthening international cooperation.