From September 1^st to September 3^rd, 2015, the 9^th GDLN Global Board Meeting was held at the Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio facilities in Italy, hosted by KDI School of Public Policy and Management. The GDLN Secretariat is comprised of five regional representatives, two World Bank staff, and five independent board members. Twelve experts, including the board members and observers, participated in the meeting.

Since the first meeting held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on November 2010, it has taken place around the world such as Tanzania, Mexico, Turkey, and Korea. The board meeting is held annually to discuss the way of improving the GDLN Global and its regional affiliates and to evaluate their activities and outcomes. Especially in the 9^th meeting, the board designed a new Action Plan for reinvigoration of the GDLN Global and for extension of the network.

On the first day, the meeting commenced with the introduction of new board members by KDI School. It was followed by updates from the GDLN regional board members who presented their respective Score Cards and the best practices from each region (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Central Asia, Latin America and Caribbean, and South Asia). Despite strong contributions and leadership by affiliates across regions, the board found that variation of development and participation has polarized. The Secretariat presented a summary of the GDLN Affiliate Self-Assessment Survey which was conducted in June, 2015.

In the afternoon session, the board has agreed on the following actions to revitalize the network and discussed how to encourage the contribution of certain affiliates or regions. The GDLN’s value proposition was also readdressed, with the three objectives for sustainable development−access to expertise and experiences for development; global reach to disseminate knowledge in a cost effective way; support for international cooperation.

The future global positioning of GDLN and its next steps were also discussed in following days. The board break-out in groups to review the action plans and make new draft. Then they developed target members of prospective GDLN affiliates to participate in the GDLN Global Meeting in Seoul.

They also planned an affiliation strategy and global programs to strengthen the GDLN network in more effective way. Prior to this, global programs have been investigated over the past year in the area of knowledge exchange and environmental management. The board encouraged all affiliates to embrace innovation and new technology in the design and to deliver the programs.

The Secretariat has agreed to host a GDLN Global Meeting in July, 2016 in Seoul, Korea. It will also incorporate the next board meeting and other regional meetings if required. The tentative agenda for the GDLN Global Meeting will include discussions on GDLN global branding, affiliate and program performance, technological enhancements, and professional development.

By Sojeong Lisa Jeong (2015 MDP, Korea)