- NEAR has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Yeungnam University to enhance collaboration in training initiatives addressing common issues in Northeast Asia.  

On January 30, Secretary-General LIM Byung-jin met withh Yeungnam University President CHOI Oe-chool atin the conference room on the third floor of the main university building and signed an MOU to promote the NEAR Member Official Training Program, foster regional global education cooperation, and facilitate the recruitment of overseas talents.

This partnership builds on the existing cooperation between NEAR and Yeungnam University, exemplified by joint efforts such as organizing the "2023 Korea-China Youth Exchange UCC Competition" in collaboration with the Chinese Consulate General in Busan.

The MOU anticipates an expanded collaboration across various domains, including regional global education cooperation and the recruitment of overseas talents. The agreement marks the initiation of NEAR's new project in 2024, starting with the "NEAR Member Official Training Program."

Expressing satisfaction with the collaboration, Mr. Lim stated, "We are pleased to collaborate with Yeungnam University, the sole institution in Korea offering undergraduate and graduate programs in Saemaul International Development. This partnership will provide public officials in Northeast Asia with essential training on shared challenges such as low birthrate, climate change, and disaster response."

In response, Mr. Choi expressed optimism about the collaboration's potential, stating, "Through this MOU with NEAR, which boasts a network of 81 regional governments from six countries in Northeast Asia, we anticipate Yeungnam University's elevation as an international and community development model."

The "NEAR Member Official Training Program" is scheduled for the end of June, offering training to regional government officials in Northeast Asia in conjunction with Yeungnam University's Saemaul Movement Training Program.