HLF4: Partnership Beyond the Peninsula

[성김 대사]

 

Official Poster of the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness

Presidents, ministers, civil society leaders, and nearly four thousand others came to Busan last week.  They came from all over the world: developing nations and wealthy countries; large nations and smaller ones; over 90 countries in all.  They came for a simple reason: to make international aid work better so as to help millions of people in developing countries all over the world escape poverty.

They came to be a part of the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (HLF4) in Busan, from November 29^th to December 1^st, 2011.  

It was appropriate, I think, that Korea hosted this major international event (and it was a tremendously well-organized event).  Korea has the most compelling development story of the past 100 years.  In the wake of national collapse, occupation, and a devastating war, Korea, through hard work, smart policies, and effective international aid, turned itself into a vibrant democracy, an industrial leader, and a member of the OECD.  Korea has also become an increasingly significant foreign aid donor.  As a Korean-American, I am proud of Korea’s amazing accomplishments and applaud Korea’s commitment to helping countries in need.        

Secretary Clinton delivering a keynote address at the HLF4 Busan opening ceremony

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was just one of the distinguished participants in Busan, and I was honored to join her in the U.S. delegation.  International aid is a critically important topic, and it's an area in which I believe the U.S. and Korea can work closely together.  While in Busan, the Secretary also had good discussions with President Lee and Foreign Minister Kim on a host of topics, but the development agenda – particularly the need for developing countries to invest in the education and empowerment of women and girls – was the major focus of the visit.

U.S.-ROK cooperation on development is just beginning.  It was only a few months ago that Secretary Clinton signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan on international aid cooperation, and I know that the implementation process has already begun.  This is a great example of how we are expanding our partnership beyond the Korean peninsula.  I am truly excited about our increasing cooperation on regional and global issues; there is no limit to what our two countries can do together -- on and beyond the Peninsula.          

I bid farewell to Secretary Clinton before her departure to Burma.

I was also impressed by Busan itself.  The city has really grown and developed since the last time I was there.  I noticed as we were driving over the Gwangan Bridge that we were headed straight into some astonishing new skyscrapers.  Beautiful.       

Coffee and chat with university students from Busan

On my last day in Busan I met with students from a number of local universities.  It was a good exchange on not only policy issues related to ROK-U.S. relations, but also important topics for both countries like discrimination, environment, and medical care.  I especially enjoyed one student’s question about my decision to become a diplomat because it allowed me to reflect on the important reasons and values that led me to this path.  To be frank, I was enjoying being a prosecutor in Los Angeles and wasn’t necessarily looking for a career change when I took the Foreign Service exam.  I took the exam because some people close to me thought the diplomatic service would be a good fit for me.  They were right.  As I passed each stage, I started to think more seriously about what the Foreign Service offered -- the opportunity to serve and represent your country, promote peace and stability and work on important relations like the U.S.-ROK partnership, and to experience different cultures.  But I wasn’t sure when I joined the U.S. State Department that this would be my life-long career.  Well, more than 20 years later, and in part, thanks to all of you, I am still very glad I decided to become a diplomat.      

Enjoyed talking to all of you!

[BYEONGCHEOL, OH]

Mr. Ambassador! I'm privileged and honored to be with you at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Busan last Tuesday. Thank you for your hospitality! :)