Capacity-building and the challenges for a future public administration – Special Lecture at SNU GSPA

After a warm welcome by Professor Jung, Kwangho, the head of the Northeast Asia Division of HSF Korea, Willi Lange, gave an opening speech. He summarized the recent political developments in Northeast Asia and the Korean Peninsula and emphasized that despite political tensions, dialogue is important. Regarding the nuclear conflict in Korea, he mentioned that “there is no other way to the minds of the North Koreans than to meet them. A sphere has to be created were North and South Koreans can meet and exchange views, not with a naive view of short term unilateral changes by dialogue, but with the goal of long-term changes by creating a sphere of true understanding and trust.”

Afterwards, Dr. Bernhard Seliger introduced the work of HSF in Korea and its goal to contribute to the reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula. In his presentation he gave an overview on the relations of the European Union and North Korea regarding politics, sanctions, humanitarian assistance and development. Subsequently, he spoke about the disintegration of North Korea and capacity-building as a tool to create space for cooperation despite contrasting political views. He closed his presentation by unveiling challenges and opportunities for the public administration on the Korean Peninsula after a future unification. Discussions with Prof. Jung, Kwangho, and Prof. Im, Tobin, as well as students of GSPA followed.