Kim Moonsoo: "Systematic Management of Conflicts Arising from Public Policy Implementation"

Bill on Conflict Management and Public Deliberation Proposed

Moonsoo Kim, Member of the National Assembly.

A bill has been proposed to systematically manage conflicts surrounding public policy and increase citizen participation.

On the 2nd, Kim Moonsu, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea (representing Suncheon, Gwangyang, Gokseong, and Gurye-gap in Jeonnam), proposed the "Act on Conflict Management and Public Deliberation" as the lead sponsor.

The bill ensures the substantive participation of stakeholders in the establishment and implementation of public policy, and stipulates the disclosure of public policy information by weighing public and private interests.

In addition, the heads of central administrative agencies are required to establish and implement comprehensive conflict management policies annually, and the Conflict Management Deliberation Committee established within central administrative agencies will deliberate on matters related to conflict prevention and resolution. The Conflict Management Deliberation Committee must be composed of up to 15 members who are not public officials.

The bill also mandates the establishment of a Public Deliberation Target Selection Committee under the Prime Minister, and for each agenda, a Public Deliberation Committee under the Target Selection Committee. It also includes provisions to designate a Conflict Management Support Center among professional research institutions specified by Presidential Decree to conduct research aimed at preventing and resolving conflicts.

Kim explained the purpose of the bill, stating, "As social structures become more pluralistic, various forms of conflict are erupting in the process of implementing public policy," and added, "It is necessary to systematically manage conflicts by stipulating procedures to prevent and resolve them."