South Korea's official development assistance (ODA) policy for sustainable development in developing countries is reaching a new turning point. In an era where the role of a partner that goes beyond mere support to help local self-reliance and endogenous development is emphasized, universities are gaining attention. Byoung Joon Kim, Director of the Global Development Cooperation Research Institute at Kookmin University and Professor of Public Administration, emphasizes that “universities are the ones that can create momentum for sustainable development based on knowledge.” He is working to create an educational ODA model that shares Korea's accumulated development experience with the international community and collaborates with young people in recipient countries to design their own futures.

In 2002, before the excitement of the World Cup in Korea had fully subsided, Kim Byung-joon, Director of the Global Development Cooperation Research Institute at Kookmin University, left for the United States to pursue his studies. After earning his master's and doctoral degrees in the U.S., he was appointed as a professor there and taught for five years. He returned to Korea in 2013 to join the faculty of his alma mater, Kookmin University. During that time, Korea achieved remarkable growth, and he realized that his field of expertise, e-government, played an important role in sharing Korea's development experience in the field of development cooperation. He felt a great sense of fulfillment in providing true value to countries seeking growth in challenging environments through the power of education, which led him to his current position.

In 2022, President Byoung Joon Kim established the Global Development Cooperation Institute (GDCI) within the Industry-Academia Cooperation Foundation, alongside professors and staff who share his vision. This institute is not merely a research institution but also a platform that facilitates collaboration between various development sites around the world and Korean universities. Byoung Joon Kim stated, “Now is the time for universities to take the lead in addressing global issues such as inequality, poverty, climate crises, and educational disparities.”

Currently, the Global Development Cooperation Institute at Kookmin University is carrying out development cooperation projects in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and is sharing Korea's development experience through practical partnerships with developing countries and countries undergoing systemic transition. At Kookmin University, development cooperation is not simply international service, but a long-term partnership through education and people.

Kim Byung-joon, director of the institute, presented a clear perspective on Korea's ODA policy. “Although public-private cooperation is emphasized, the participation of the private sector and universities remains limited in practice. Rather than simply providing funds and facilities, we must design education-centered ODA by integrating the knowledge and innovative capabilities of universities.”

Universities have structural advantages that enable long-term, sustainable cooperation rather than short-term support. University-centered development cooperation is particularly meaningful as it helps recipient countries solve their problems from within through education, research, and industry-academia collaboration. President Kim Byung-joon emphasized, “Strengthening the role of universities as hubs for education and human resource development must become the central axis of future ODA policy.”

The Global Development Cooperation Institute (GDCI) at Kookmin University, in collaboration with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), is implementing an education ODA project in Uzbekistan and Laos. In Uzbekistan, in collaboration with the Business IT Graduate School, the “Global Business IT Department” has been established at Tashkent University of Information and Telecommunications (TUIT), and a multi-layered program is underway, including curriculum development, faculty training, industry-academia collaboration system establishment, and startup infrastructure development. This project does not stop at one-time education but focuses on building a sustainable system that enables local youth to actually challenge entrepreneurship and create jobs. “I still vividly remember the scene where Uzbekistan students and our National University students stayed up all night during a hackathon, brainstorming and presenting business models to solve social issues. It was a moment that confirmed the possibility of learning and growing together.”

Meanwhile, in Laos, the Global Startup Venture Graduate School is developing digital startup education programs, including the establishment of a startup and SME department and an e-business department at the Industrial Trade College (CC) under the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce. Through a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening the capabilities of local government officials, fostering a startup ecosystem, and building educational infrastructure, the program is opening up opportunities for young people in Laos to realize their dreams within their own country.

Byoung Joon Kim, the director, pointed out the limitations of existing ODA and emphasized the need for a new paradigm. “Despite numerous support programs, recipient countries have failed to overcome structural issues because they have failed to establish sustainable systems. In particular, a self-sustaining growth model based on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial spirit is urgently needed.”

He states that the success or failure of ODA projects is determined after their completion. In other words, true development cooperation involves “invisible capacity transfer” that helps local communities solve problems without external support. To this end, Kookmin University designs projects based on close cooperation with local universities, governments, and businesses, and establishes a consistent flow from education to entrepreneurship.

Kookmin University's Global Development Cooperation Research Institute recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United Nations University (UNU) and is promoting the establishment of “UNU Seoul.” It aims to become an educational hub for training global leaders by offering joint and dual degree programs in future strategic fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), smart cities, sustainable development (SDGs), and innovation.

At the end of the interview, President Byoung Joon Kim shared a heartfelt message: “I hope we can join hands to help young people in developing countries seize the growth opportunities we have experienced. I believe that through this process, we will learn and grow together, moving toward a better world.”

“Behind our activities has always been the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) as a steadfast partner. Thanks to their dedication—working tirelessly day and night in challenging environments, and sometimes even relocating their homes—to build a sustainable future, institutions like our university can expand into broader international cooperation initiatives.”

At the conclusion of the interview, President Byoung Joon Kim expressed his deep gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) who have quietly and steadfastly upheld their commitment on the front lines.

The development cooperation activities of President Byoung Joon Kim and Kookmin University have evolved beyond mere aid into a “partnership based on education and trust.” The Korean model of development cooperation, which combines higher education, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation, is expected to bring about significant changes on the international stage in the future.