The Bank of Korea to Hold 'BOK International Conference' on July 2-3... Exploring Central Bank Evolution

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jung] The Bank of Korea will hold the 'BOK International Conference' via non-face-to-face video conference on June 2-3 next month to discuss the role of central banks.

The BOK International Conference has been held since 2005 and serves as a platform where prominent figures from academia and policy fields both domestically and internationally gather to exchange opinions on major economic issues.

This year's theme is "The Changing Role of Central Banks: What Can and Should They Do?" It will discuss the new roles of central banks in response to current challenges such as inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic and changes in the economic structure.

▲ Challenges of high inflation and policy normalization after the COVID-19 pandemic ▲ The role of central banks amid labor market structural changes and expanding income inequality

▲ Central banks' responses to maximize the benefits of technological innovation, among others, aiming to explore ways for central banks to evolve further in terms of responsibilities and tools in line with economic conditions and structural changes.

The conference will begin with an opening address by Lee Chang-yong, Governor of the Bank of Korea, followed by keynote speeches by Robert Townsend, Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and Shin Hyun-song, Head of the Research Department at the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), along with paper presentations, discussions, and a panel session of comprehensive discussions.

A Bank of Korea official stated, "The conference could not be held for the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year it will be conducted via non-face-to-face video conferencing," adding, "The event will be broadcast live on YouTube and Facebook."