2024 UN Public Service Forum

 The Impact of Public Administration in Propelling Incheon’s Development

Welcome esteemed participants, including Mr. Li Junhua, 

Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Department 

of Economic and Social Affairs, distinguished high-ranking officials, 

and ambassadors to the 2024 UN Public Service Forum. 

Hosting this event in the Republic of Korea 

for the first time in a decade is highly significant, 

and we hope it provides an opportunity for remarkable strides in public administration.

As is the case with many countries in Asia, 

the rapid development of the Republic of Korea today 

has largely been driven by the public administration sector. 

Even though we briefly introduced Incheon,

it’s important to note that the Republic of Korea has become 

a leading global economic powerhouse, and Incheon has emerged 

as the country’s second-largest economic city, surpassing three million people, 

with achievements significantly guided by public administration.

I previously served as the Minister of the Interior and Safety about 10 years ago, 

during which our country consecutively ranked first in the UN E-Government Survey. 

This event also marks a special reunion with the former deputy minister, 

whom I had sent to Uzbekistan and who now serves as a minister there.

Deliberations on Sustainable Growth and Development

We find ourselves at a crucial juncture as the digital sector 

experiences significant growth and transformation. 

However, with the planet facing critical challenges, 

it is essential to discuss how we can innovate 

in the public sector to foster sustainable development. 

This challenge is global, necessitating a collective effort to address and resolve it.

We deeply hope that this 2024 UN Public Service Forum in Incheon 

can contribute to overcoming these global crises and help us forge a visionary future.

We will lead the Republic of Korea into the future.

During your stay in Incheon, you will see that the city has been a model of growth 

and development for the Republic of Korea. 

We hope that Incheon’s transformation provides inspiration 

for future development in your respective countries.

The very place where we are now sitting was underwater just 30 years ago. 

Through land reclamation, this area has been transformed into a vibrant city, 

a transformation led by our city’s administration. 

Incheon is thus a representative international and smart city of the Republic of Korea.

We are committed to not resting on our laurels but to continuing to push forward 

with innovative policies in the public sector that will guide the Republic of Korea’s future. 

We hope you have a productive and comfortable stay here. Thank you.