Suwon Research Institute for City Policy Holds 'Policy Forum for Narrowing Social Gaps'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] The Suwon Research Institute for City Policy (Director Choi Byung-dae) held a ‘Policy Forum for a Society with Narrowed Gaps’ at the National Assembly Members’ Hall on the 20th.

The forum was held to explore the strategy and role of local governments regarding the government’s ‘Inclusive Nation Strategy.’ Approximately 150 people attended, including members of the National Assembly, city council members, related organizations (such as the Welfare State Society), and general citizens.

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, delivered opening remarks stating, “As we open the door to an innovative inclusive nation, the role of local governments is very important in introducing new paradigms for resolving gaps.” Park Kwang-on, supreme council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, Assemblyman Kim Jin-pyo, Assemblyman Kim Young-jin, Suwon Mayor Yeom Tae-young, and Suwon City Council Speaker Jo Myung-ja also delivered opening remarks.

Lee Sang-i, professor at Jeju National University and the first presenter, presented five directions for welfare policy reform, including emphasizing the central government’s role in addressing blind spots in social insurance and improving the income replacement rate.

Moon Byung-gi, professor at Korea National Open University, who took the stage second, emphasized reducing social gaps through improving local government capacity through the accumulation of social capital and integration mechanisms.