On June 10, two Dominican students from KDI School, Esmeralda Taveraz (MPP, 2025) and Lolibel Hernandez (MDP, 2026), had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Korea–LAC Future Cooperation Forum at the personal invitation of H.E. Angie Shakira Martínez Tejera, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the Republic of Korea. Accompanying the Ambassador as part of the Dominican delegation, the students participated in a high-level forum that brought together government officials, diplomats, academics, and policy experts from Korea and Latin America to explore new avenues for regional cooperation.

Held under the theme "Bridging Korea–LAC Future Cooperation through Practical and Innovative Pathways," the forum served as a platform for discussing practical strategies to strengthen partnerships between Korea and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries. Through keynote addresses and policy discussions, participants explored how innovation, technology, and economic collaboration can contribute to shared development goals.

The opening ceremony featured remarks from Park Yoonjoo, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, followed by congratulatory messages from Fernando Aramayo Carrasco, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, and Marco Antonio Chamon, President of the Brazilian Space Agency. Their speeches underscored the growing importance of Korea–LAC cooperation in addressing global challenges through dialogue, innovation, and long-term partnerships.

The forum's first session focused on "Exploring Pragmatic and Innovative Cooperation Between Korea and the LAC in the Era of AI Transformation." Panelists discussed how artificial intelligence is reshaping public administration, economic development, and international cooperation. Speakers highlighted opportunities for collaboration in digital transformation, innovation policy, and capacity building, emphasizing the value of knowledge exchange between Korea and Latin American countries.

The afternoon session shifted attention to trade, investment, and resilient supply chains through a discussion on "Practical Policy Coordination for Supply Chain Diversification and the Modernization of Trade and Investment." Representatives from Korea, Guatemala, Brazil, and the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy (KIEP) examined ways to strengthen economic partnerships by promoting technological cooperation, expanding trade opportunities, and improving supply chain resilience in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

For the participating students, attending the forum alongside Ambassador Martínez offered a unique opportunity to observe international diplomacy firsthand while engaging with policymakers and experts shaping the future of Korea–LAC relations. The experience complemented their studies at KDI School by connecting classroom discussions on international development and public policy with real-world policy dialogue:

"Attending the forum alongside Ambassador Angie Shakira Martínez gave us the opportunity to witness high-level discussions on Korea–Latin America cooperation while representing the Dominican Republic. It was inspiring to see policymakers discussing solutions that directly relate to many of the issues we study at KDI School." Esmeralda Taveraz (MPP,2025)

The invitation also reflected the Ambassador's continued engagement with Dominican students studying in Korea. By including KDI School students in the Dominican delegation, she provided them with meaningful exposure to high-level diplomatic discussions while encouraging their active participation in initiatives that strengthen ties between the Dominican Republic, Korea, and the broader Latin American region:

“Being invited by Ambassador Angie Shakira Martínez to join the Dominican delegation made the experience even more meaningful. It was an honor to represent both the Dominican Republic and KDI School while learning from leaders and experts committed to strengthening Korea–Latin America relations. The forum broadened my understanding of diplomacy and reinforced my interest in contributing to international development."  Lolibel Hernandez (MDP, 2026)

As a graduate institution dedicated to educating future leaders in development and public policy, KDI School encourages students to participate in international forums that promote cross-cultural dialogue and policy exchange. Events such as the 2026 Korea–LAC Future Cooperation Forum offer students valuable opportunities to broaden their global perspectives, build professional networks, and witness the practical application of the ideas explored in the classroom.