The Ambassador of South Korea to Indonesia Park Tae-sung has urged developed countries to help developing countries in relation to the three priority agendas of Indonesia’s G20 presidency.
The three priority agendas are global health architecture, digital transformation, and sustainable energy transition. Under Indonesia’s leadership, it is hoped that the G20 forum will produce concrete results with tangible, meaningful, and sustainable impacts, Park said.
The developed countries that are a part of the G20 must help developing countries, he stated here on March 18. He cited examples of some efforts that could be expedited to this end, such as technology transfer, assistance for system improvement and correlating policies, and human resource development.
Moreover, developed countries could assist developing countries in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraging green economy or net-zero emissions, and addressing the digital divide, he elaborated.
Regarding assistance on COVID-19-related issues, it must be ensured that equal and universal access is provided to developing countries, such as access to medications, he said.
Ambassador Park said that at the G7 meeting in Cornwall, England, South Korea had demonstrated its commitment to the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic by donating as much as US$200 million for the cause.
He further said that South Korea — which is among the countries that are developing vaccines — has been distributing vaccines to many countries who need them. As a member of the G20, South Korea has continuously called for better cooperation in the health sector.
The South Korean Ambassador also said that to conduct a global transition toward a low-emission lifestyle, developed countries need to pay attention to developing countries so they can provide assistance according to each developing countries’ needs, since each country has a different economic capacity and dependence on fossil-based fuels.
He noted a stark difference between developed and developing countries in terms of the digital transformation process, particularly in terms of digital skills or comprehension. To answer the challenge, he said, everyone must work together to promote digital inclusivity.
He also argued that it is necessary to conduct training for developing countries so they can adapt to the latest technology and support them through programs that consider aspects such as culture.
Currently, South Korea and Indonesia are conducting a strategic partnership in the development of electric vehicles. Park said he expected the collaboration to help meet the target of a low-carbon emission lifestyle at a quicker pace.
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As a form of commitment to promoting sustainable energy, the Indonesian government will use South Korean-made electric cars to ferry VIPs, or member countries’ leaders, during G20 meetings in Bali, Indonesia, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said on a separate occasion.
In response to Indonesia’s Presidency, Ambassador Park congratulated the nation for being entrusted with the responsibility, and wished for the event to run smoothly. South Korea would lend full support to Indonesia to contribute to its success, he added.
Ambassador Park said he was confident that Indonesia, which has potential for digital readiness, could function as a bridge for addressing the digital technology gap between developed and developing countries.
The theme of Indonesia’s G20 Presidency, “Recover Together, Recover Stronger,” has become an immense inspiration for the global community, he remarked.
Source: Antara News