As the 57th President of the Local Government Officials Development Institute (LOGODI) inaugurated on April 30, I am delighted to greet you through this 26th e-Newsletter.

Since its establishment in 1965, LOGODI is a valuable and unique institute contributing to regional development by fostering local government officials in Korea for the past half-century. It is my honor and privilege to be part of LOGODI as a new president.

In the New Normal era begun with the COVID-19, the world around us is changing faster than ever. Fighting against the outbreak, we recognized that the conventional system and methods might not be efficient and reliable enough in coping with the changes and challenges brought by the pandemic.

Moreover, the pandemic has forced a massive shift away from the traditional learning and teaching paradigm. As a pivotal institute nurturing key leaders for local developments, LOGODI does its utmost to improve its curriculum, teaching method, and learning environment to prepare for the upcoming changes in the post-COVID-19 world.

The quarantine model of Korea or ‘K-Quarantine’ is globally acknowledged for successfully managing outbreaks without closing its borders. In the process of tackling COVID-19, I would like to point out that the local government officials played a significant role. Since the early days of the outbreak, they have been working nonstop for days and nights in a wartime emergency mode. Furthermore, the local government officials have shown extraordinary accomplishments in implementing the Testing-Tracing-Treatment strategy and managing the social distancing policy and vaccination efforts in full force. Without their self-sacrificing devotions, Korea would not have controlled the outbreaks quickly and effectively.

I believe that the Korean model can be replicated on the international cooperation scene to cope with the pandemic. LOGODI is considering furthering the Korean model through customized international programs to meet the needs of the partner countries on a request basis.

To contribute to achieving the sustainable development goals of our partner countries, LOGODI also shares Korea’s experiences in other areas such as economic development, government innovation, the role of local governments against the pandemic, etc.

The most valuable asset in Korea is the people. Furthermore, local government officials are the backbone of national developments. As the President of LOGODI, I will do my best to ensure that LOGODI makes its dedicated efforts to fulfill its mission of fostering key leaders for local governments through continuous communication with you and synergy to create a win-win growth.

In closing, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for all your support and ask for your continued warm affection and encouragement.

Thank you.