Social Affairs Division 2 Receives Briefing from Ministry of Education
Consensus Reached on Strengthening Regional Flagship National Universities
During a policy briefing with the Ministry of Education, the National Policy Planning Committee discussed President Jaemyung Lee's presidential pledge to "create 10 Seoul National University-level institutions" and called for proactive efforts from the Ministry of Education.
Hanju Lee, Chairman of the National Policy Planning Committee, is giving a greeting at the Ministry of Economy and Finance briefing held at the Government Sejong Convention Center on the 18th. Photo by Yonhap News
On June 18, the Social Affairs Division 2 of the National Policy Planning Committee received a policy briefing from the Ministry of Education at the Government Sejong Convention Center and exchanged views on major tasks in the education sector. The briefing was attended by eight planning committee members and fourteen expert members from Social Affairs Division 2, as well as thirteen officials from the Ministry of Education.
Regarding the pledge to create 10 Seoul National University-level institutions, participants agreed on the importance of strengthening the capabilities of regional flagship national universities. They also decided to further discuss ways to establish a virtuous cycle that enables local regions to provide education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, and residential stability, taking into account balanced regional development.
On AI education, consensus was reached between Social Affairs Division 2 members and the Ministry of Education on the need to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education starting from elementary and secondary levels. The National Policy Planning Committee and the Ministry of Education agreed to continue discussions on fostering AI talent across all stages of education.
Changnam Hong, head of Social Affairs Division 2 of the National Policy Planning Committee, stated, "It is important to identify national policy tasks that the public can truly feel over the next five years, in line with the Jaemyung Lee administration's emphasis on practicality and integration," and urged, "The Ministry of Education should take responsibility and make proactive efforts for the people."
On the same day, the Political and Administrative Division of the National Policy Planning Committee, during a policy briefing from the National Fire Agency, called on the agency to establish response strategies for the climate crisis, advance firefighting equipment through strengthened R&D, upgrade the 119 emergency system using AI, ensure the seamless opening of the National Fire Hospital, and protect overseas Korean nationals.
The National Fire Agency reported that due to climate change, including abnormal heat, large-scale and complex disasters that are difficult for local governments to handle continue to occur. The agency emphasized the need to strengthen the nation’s responsibility and role in disaster response in order to meet the public's heightened safety awareness and expectations of the state.
Haesik Lee, head of the Political and Administrative Division, stressed, "When it comes to disaster and safety, there must be no negligence whatsoever," and added, "We must make every effort to adopt advanced measures and ensure the safety of the people."
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