The UNDP is a UN agency responsible for planning and managing projects aimed at economic and social development in developing countries. De Croo, who took office in December 2022, previously served as the Prime Minister of Belgium.
The meeting included Choi, along with Lee Hyung-hee, Vice Chairman of the Seoul Chamber of Commerce and Industry and SK Group, and De Croo, accompanied by Anne Jupe, Director of the Seoul Policy Center.
Choi stated, "The complex global challenges we face today, such as regional extinction, polarization, and climate crises, cannot be solved by governments or international organizations alone. I hope that the KCCI's execution capabilities combined with the UNDP's global network will lead to tangible changes based on a common language of social value."
Choi specifically requested UNDP's participation and interest in the upcoming '3rd Korea Social Value Festa' scheduled for September. The Social Value Festa is an event where businesses, governments, international organizations, and civil society come together to seek solutions to social issues and sustainable growth. He suggested, "Let’s co-plan a global session linked to the UNDP strategy to spread awareness."
De Croo introduced the UNDP's strategic plan, emphasizing the necessity of collaboration with private enterprises in key areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, climate response, governance, and sustainable finance. He urged Korean companies, including SK, to take a more active interest in the UNDP's various public-private cooperation activities.
Choi has consistently discussed ways to link social value with economic growth. In March, he participated in the '2026 Value and Growth Forum,' where he emphasized, "A new growth model is possible only if businesses, governments, and civil society work together."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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