1. Sejong Global Leader Training Center Groundbreaking Ceremony 

In April 2023, KDI School began the construction of the Sejong Global Leaders Training Center. The 5-story building will house 64 single rooms, four guest rooms, a lounge, a gym, and a video conference room. Located next to the KDIS Dormitory for current students in Sejong City, the training center will accommodate mid-level public officials and civil servants from over 70 developing countries enrolled in masters and doctoral programs in development and economic policy. Upon completion, the center will provide additional accommodation (single-room units) for international students. 

2. KDIS-MS Seminar on “Generative Al for Administrative Innovation"

Amidst the rapid development of artificial intelligence (Al) innovations, the KDI School and Microsoft Korea co-hosted a seminar titled "Generative Al for Administrative Innovation" in June 2023 held at the International Conference Hall at the Sejong Convention Centre (SCC). 600 participants were in attendance and explored new ways to improve public sector efficiency and increase productivity through Al technologies. Live demonstrations and special presentations on the use of generative Al in the workplace were presented during the conference. To consolidate the lessons learned from the conference, the co-organizers also held a 3-day generative Al training program for government officials in September 2023.

3. Establishment of Al tool guidelines and Al-assisted writing workshops

In May 2023, KDI School Launched its "Guidelines for the Use of Al-Based TooLs”, Laying out its integrative plans for Al technology as assistive tools and outlining faculty's role in recommending approaches for students using it, and comprehensive FAQs on generative Al and common student inquiries.

To further disseminate these guidelines, the KDIS Writing Center hosted flipped workshops in November 2023 to help students use generative Al tools for general and academic writing and research while maintaining the highest academic ethics and integrity. Participants had access to teaching materials, which prompted group activities and discussions on using Al tools. 

4. Increased Number of Scholars for KDI School's Global Master's Program (GMP)

Since 2014, the scholars for the Global Masters Program have doubled from 52 to 104 scholars (2023) studying at KDI School and the 32 partner universities.

The GMP is a unique program offered to Korean Local and central government officials and mid-level corporate managers. Participating scholars are admitted to their preferred masters program at the KDI School for one year, where they improve their technical and English language skills, and complete their second year aboard at one of the partner universities located in the UK, the USA, Australia, and Europe. 

5. Hosting Various Special Lectures Covering Environment, Energy, Al, Policy, and Data Science

The KDI School continues to be a hub of academic, research, and policy discourse. It recently hosted a series of special lectures on the environment, energy, Al, and data science. Experts, faculty, and scholars from around the world convened on the campus to address critical issues and breakthrough innovations. These lectures offered invaluable insightsand stimulated discussions on pressing global challenges and technological advances. Some of the special lectures included lectures on sustainable energy, the politics of data science, and generative Al and legal tech revolution as well as a joint conference with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on building a sustainable future. 

6. Korea - U.S. Policy Dialogue: Towards Carbon Neutrality

KDI School organized this years policy dialogue on carbon neutrality in a two-day event that included discussions on innovations in energy generation and charging efficiency, addressing climate challenges, energy and society, and action to mitigate climate change. The annual event aims to strengthen and facilitate academic cooperation and exchanges between Korea and the United States on issues such as protectionism, political polarization, and economic inequality. In attendance were distinguished guests such as Ambassador Hyoeun Jenny Kim (Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Professor Marilyn A. Brawn (Georgia Tech), industry experts (from Korea and the United States), and students from the KDI School.

7. World Bank DIME-KDI School 4th Development Impact Conference

November 2023 marked the fourth anniversary of the collaboration between the KDI School and the World Banks DIME (Development Impact Evaluation), which resulted in a two-day conference at World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., USA. The joint academic event produced a conference focused on topics such as food security, climate change, migration, labor, human development, governance, gender, and suitability assessment. Twenty-six out of 262 submissions were selected for presentation, providing an opportunity for researchers, industry experts, and students to engage in academic discourse, network, and contribute to the research ecosystem. 

8. KDIS Launches Learning Community Program (CRAFT)

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve student knowledge and capacity, KDIS launched “CRAFT" in September 2023. CRAFT stands for Collaborative Research and Advanced Fellowship Team. It is a student-led learning community program that brings together scholars with similar interests to complete projects in one of two areas： academic research or business projects.

Three fellowships were selected this year and will cover themes such as policies for responsible artificial intelligence, transportation and logistics infrastructure, and alternative energy for agriculture. The three communities are expected to finalize their research and present their learning outcomes by February 2024.

9. KDI School's Extravaganzas: TEDx KDI School event, Talent Show, Sports Day, and International Food Festival Day

In 2023, the KDI School community demonstrated remarkable diversity and talent. The school hosted a series of events that amazed participants and audiences. The TEDx KDI School event featured insightful presentations on the theme “Daring to be Different," while the Talent Show showcased the exceptional talents of the schools students, staff, and special performances. The exciting Sports Day brought out the competitive spirit and physical well-being, and the International Food Festival Day tantalized taste buds with global flavors. These varied events are examples of KDI Schools commitment to creating spaces and opportunities forshowcasing our community's talents and diversity.

10. 1st Completion Ceremony for the Regional School of Public Policy for Development in Guatemala (ERPPD)

The Regional School of Public Policy for Development (ERPPD) graduated its first cohort of ERPPD students in November 2023. Present at the ceremony were Ana Silvia Diaz Monroy (Director of ERPPD and KDI School Alumna) and Professor Haiyoung Yun (Assistant Dean of External Relations at the KDI School). The ERPPD was established in 2017 as part of a joint collaboration between the KDI School and the Central American Higher Education Council (CSUCA) in Guatemala to enhance policy capacity in the Central American region. Since 2021, the KDI School has also funded the ERPPD through ODA, providing its educational and administrative expertise.