Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim argued that Korean society is facing a "triple crisis" of climate change, demographic shifts, and digital technological innovation, and stressed that the policy paradigm in every sector must be transformed for sustainable growth.
On the 19th, attending the 19th International Social Security Conference held at Baekyangnuri, Yonsei University, Governor Kim said, "Twenty years ago, I was responsible for creating Korea's first long-term national strategy at the working level, which resulted in the 'Vision 2030' report. We set 2030 as our target, but now, with only five years left, we are facing an unprecedented triple crisis: demographic change, digital evolution, and the climate crisis."
He continued, "The two major problems inherent in capitalism-unfairness in market processes and inequality in market outcomes-cannot be solved by existing methods in the face of this massive triple wave. We must change the paradigm in all areas, including the economy, society, education, culture, and welfare."
Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim is taking a commemorative photo with attendees at the 19th International Social Security Conference on the 19th. Photo by Gyeonggi Province
He went on to say, "Despite various setbacks under the previous administration, Gyeonggi Province has actively responded to the triple crisis. For example, we have turned the challenges of an aging population and low birthrate into opportunities for a care-oriented society through a 360-degree care system and the Caregiving SOS Project."
Regarding digital transformation or the transition to artificial intelligence (AI), Governor Kim stated, "Gyeonggi Province was the first in Korea to establish an AI Bureau, and we have integrated social welfare with AI technology at the forefront of public services, such as AI care services for people with developmental disabilities, AI companionship services for the elderly, and AI health care. We are also piloting Korea's first 4.5-day workweek to enhance work-life balance in the labor market, which is being transformed by AI technology."
Governor Kim also mentioned Gyeonggi Province's policies such as the RE100 declaration, Climate Action Opportunity Income, climate insurance, and the Climate Citizens' Assembly, saying, "We are turning the climate crisis into an opportunity to strengthen the social safety net and democracy."
He added, "In addition to these three crises, international politics and the economy are also in crisis, making international cooperation and solidarity essential. Gyeonggi Province has built strong international relations with numerous countries and local governments through trade, investment, and human exchange."
The International Social Security Conference, which began in 2005 at the People's University in Beijing, China, is the largest academic conference on social security in East Asia, with around 200 scholars participating annually. This year, it is being held in Korea over two days, from the 19th to the 20th, and will discuss new policy paradigms and institutional changes in Korea, China, and Japan as they face a period of triple transition, going beyond the traditional concept of the welfare state.
This year's conference is co-hosted by the Gyeonggi Welfare Foundation, the National Management Research Institute at Yonsei University, and the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, and is jointly organized by the Korean Association of Social Policy and the Welfare State Research Center at Yonsei University.
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