In cooperation with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World e-Governments Organization of Cities and Local Governments (WeGO), the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Korea invited local officials from major cities across the world for a training opportunity. Those officials are in charge of e-government policies. The gathering happened in Jeju Island on May 24, and it also served as a platform for participants to share issues of common interest and discuss how to solve those issues.

Over 60 participants, including representatives from ADB, officials from 24 countries, and e-government experts from home and abroad, attended the gathering to share the latest information and explore ways of developing e-government at the municipal level. Participating countries include Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.

The programme is themed on e-government and smart city, and continues until May 27. After the opening ceremony on May 24, the programme is administered by Korea’s National Information Society Agency at E-Government Global Academy situated in Jeju Island.

This gathering is especially significant in that it is the first opportunity for local officials to be invited to Korea in a large scale and learn about Korea’s e-government. To date, the bilateral cooperation in the area of e-government has usually been at the national or central government level, and local officials from municipalities had little opportunities to work closely together.

In addition, those officials who were invited this time are key managers who conduct e-government projects themselves at the municipal level. It is expected that Korea’s advanced e-government systems, such as the Intelligent Transportation System, will affect their local project at home.

The training topics include policies and issues on e-government and smart city, best practices in e-government, application of latest smart technology to e-government at the municipal level, e-government infrastructure, and cyber security. Participants from abroad will have an opportunity to present the progress of their national or municipal project at home.

The Ministry of the Interior is planning to build up its network with participating countries and cities by exploring ways of cooperation with those who wish to continue their cooperation with Korea.

Director General Lee In-jae commented, “E-government is an efficient policy tool that can help resolve problems suffered by citizens, which is a common issue for cities across the world.” He then continued, “I hope this training opportunity would serve as a platform for participants to explore ways of cooperation with Korea.”