The second day of the 2nd Global Saemaul Undong Ministerial and Leadership Meetings in Gyeongju featured a series of thematic seminars, where participating countries examined practical approaches to adapting the Saemaul spirit to local contexts.

Delegates were divided into regional clusters, with Asia, Africa, and Oceania hosting parallel seminars. Each session provided a platform for countries to share experiences, discuss implementation strategies, and highlight how community-led development can be tailored to diverse governance systems and cultural settings.

Ghana, participating in the Africa seminar, joined counterparts from across the continent in exploring how the Saemaul model can complement ongoing decentralisation reforms and strengthen grassroots-driven development. The discussions underscored Africa’s shared priorities of empowering local governments, improving rural infrastructure, and building resilient communities.

In addition, a joint seminar convened by the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and the Saemaul Undong International Center focused on “Strengthening Local Governance through Saemaul Undong for Effective Implementation of the SDGs.” Speakers emphasised the importance of participatory governance, accountability, and the alignment of Saemaul principles with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The day’s sessions reaffirmed that while development contexts differ across regions, the core values of diligence, self-help, and cooperation remain central to mobilising communities and advancing inclusive growth.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

MLGCRA Public Relations Unit

Gyeongju, Republic of Korea – September 17, 2025 — Ghana has underscored its commitment to advancing community-led development and decentralisation reforms at the 2nd Global Saemaul Undong Ministerial Meeting in Gyeongju, Republic of Korea.

The gathering, hosted by the Korea Saemaul Undong Centre under President Gwang-Lim Kim, marked the 55th anniversary of the Saemaul movement and brought together global ministers and development leaders. President Kim highlighted the enduring values of diligence, self-help, and cooperation as universal drivers of sustainable progress.

Leading Ghana’s delegation, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, delivered a national statement emphasising Ghana’s alignment with these principles. He outlined reforms to introduce the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), alongside investments in rural infrastructure and livelihoods through projects such as the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project II and the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion Project.

The Minister also emphasised accountability and innovation, citing tools like the District Assemblies Common Fund–Responsive Factor Grant (DACF–RFG) and a Digital Development Data Platform, which are enhancing transparency across districts. He stressed that Ghana’s approach, while inspired by Korea, is firmly rooted in its own governance traditions and cultural sustainability.

Hon. Ibrahim reaffirmed Ghana’s strong partnership with the Republic of Korea, referencing recent bilateral discussions on waste management, circular economy practices, and urban resilience. He pledged Ghana’s commitment to deepening cooperation and sharing lessons with other African nations through South–South and Triangular Cooperation.

Ghana’s Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, joined ministers and leaders from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and South Korea at a Welcome Dinner in Seoul on 16th September 2025. The dinner marked the official opening of the 2nd Global Ministerial Saemaul Meeting and the Global Leadership Saemaul Meeting.

Delegates were received with South Korea’s renowned cultural hospitality, setting a warm and collegial tone for the four-day programme. The occasion provided space for informal exchanges, where participants shared experiences and began fostering networks ahead of the formal deliberations.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, who is leading Ghana’s delegation, used the opportunity to connect with counterparts from partner countries and reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to the Saemaul spirit of diligence, self-help, and cooperation.

The Welcome Dinner also reflected the broader purpose of the meetings — building stronger ties among nations while adapting the Saemaul Undong model to today’s development challenges.

The main conference sessions are expected to focus on global cooperation in social assistance and protection systems, coinciding with the 55th anniversary of the Saemaul Undong movement, which transformed rural Korea and continues to inspire grassroots-led development worldwide. Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann MLGCRA Public Relations Unit