Mid-level managers and stakeholders from various ministries in foreign governments were invited to join in the G20 Global Leadership Program for Middle Managers held at the KDI School from July 1^st to 30^th, 2014. The month-long program was co-hosted by the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Korean Government, and aimed to enable participants to enhance their contributions towards reaching G20 development goals set forth at the Seoul Summit in 2010.

Participants gathered together in the classroom to learn not only from Korea’s development experience but from the experiences of donors, recipients, facilitators and mediators alike. Classes were divided into two parts: the morning lecture series and afternoon group presentations and discussions. The intensive program included courses offered by KDI School professors, practitioners and guest lecturers as well as ample time for group discussions in the afternoon. Classes covered topics such as energy and climate change, social protection, global governance, trade systems, aid and development, and poverty reduction among others. Aside from the academic program, cultural events and a field research and study has been organized for a better learning curve of the participants and a chance to boost peer learning. The culmination of this program asked the participants to present their final research paper that reflects their findings and insights.

As part of the commitment of the Korean government to the Seoul Development Consensus for Shared Growth, participants were provided with round-trip airfare, housing and modest stipend while attending the program. This year, 22 participants from 19 countries were invited to take part in the program. The participants’ country of origin includes Algeria, Argentina, Bangladesh, China, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nigeria, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. They come from various government agencies of their respective countries, namely the Ministry of Finance, Central Bank, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Economy, and the Office of the President to name a few. Others come from international organizations such as the United Nations. Gender balance is present as well, with 12 males and 10 females in the group, and the diversity of the work experience ranged from 3 years to almost 30. There were five KDI School alumni as well currently serving in their home governments who participated in the program.

The External Relations and Development Division organized an alumni dinner for the returned alumni. They spent a pleasant evening together, reminiscing about the student life in Korea, learning about the Sejong relocation, and exchanging ideas to solidify their network.

By Rigoberto Banta Jr. (MPP, Philippines)