Local Government Council Successfully Concludes Visit to Costa Rica

Mayors of Anseong, Gwangmyeong, and Anyang Participate
Seeking Ways to Promote Sustainable Development and Revitalize the Social Economy

The visit to Costa Rica, which began on June 30 by heads of local governments affiliated with the National Council of Local Governments for Social Solidarity Economy, concluded successfully. The purpose of the visit was to explore ways to promote sustainable development and revitalize the social economy.

Anseong Mayor Kim Bora, who visited Costa Rica, is discussing sustainable development and social economy policy measures with local government officials. Provided by Anseong City

The delegation of local government leaders, consisting of Kim Bora, Mayor of Anseong in Gyeonggi Province, Park Seungwon, Mayor of Gwangmyeong, and Choi Daeho, Mayor of Anyang, sought ways to apply sustainable development models and social economy policies during their stay. The event was supported by the Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Korea in Costa Rica.

During the visit, the delegation began by meeting with Stephan Brunner, First Vice President of Costa Rica, who oversees economic policy. They also visited relevant public institutions to hear about Costa Rican government policies and observed how Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are being implemented in the private sector.

Mayor Kim Bora stated, "I was impressed by how Costa Rica applies the social economy throughout its national economy to build an economic system where no one is left behind. We will continue to develop various ideas and discussions to discover collaborative projects and policy models with Costa Rica."

Meanwhile, Anseong City is pursuing a variety of policies for a sustainable city, including: establishing the Anseong City 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating public institutions free of single-use products, promoting public procurement from the social economy, and encouraging the use of reusable containers at local restaurants, funeral halls, and festivals.