The 14th NEAR General Assembly

• Chair : Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea
• Date : October 24-26, 2023
• Venue : UECO, Ulsan City
• Format : Hybrid (online & offline), simultaneous translation provided in five languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Mongolia, and Russian).
• Slogan : Our New Future, United Northeast Asia
• Written Approval Form : 62 submissions from five countries (two North Korean members excluded).
• Participants : Approx. 150 attendees from 52 member governments from five countries (China, Japan, S. Korea, Russia, and Mongolia) and the NEAR Secretariat.

Participant Member Regions

• China : Heilongjiang Province, Henan Province, Hunan Province, Jilin Province, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shanxi Province, Liaoning Province, Gansu Province, Anhui Province (online), Shaanxi Province (online), Tianjin City (online)
• Japan : Shimane Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture, Akita Prefecture (online)
• S. Korea : Daegu Metropolitan City, Incheon Metropolitan City, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Ulsan Metropolitan City, Sejong Special Self-Governing City, Gyeonggi-do Province, Gangwon State, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, Chungcheongnam-do Province, Jeonbuk State, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Jeju Special Self-Governing State
• Mongolia : Bulgan Province, Govisumber Province, Dornod Province, Dundgovi Province, Uvurkhangai Province, Sukhbaatar Province, Selenge Province, Tuv Province, Uvs Province, Khovd Province, Khuvsgul Province
• Russia : Republic of Buryatia, Republic of Sakha, Tomsk Region, Khabarovsk Territory, Altai Region (online), Amur Region (online), Zabaikalsky Territory (online), Irkutsk Region (online), Kemerovo Region (online), Krasnoyarsk Territory (online), Magadan Region (online), Republic of Khakassia (online), Republic of Altai (online)

Main Contents

• Meeting of heads of NEAR member regions
• Opening ceremony
  • Welcome remarks by Kim Doo-gyum, mayor of Ulsan, South Korea
  • Opening remarks by Lim Byung-jin, secretary-general of NEAR
  • Congratulatory remarks by Lee Cheol-woo, governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea
  • ongratulatory remarks by Jin Guowei, vice governor of Liaoning Province, China
  • Congratulatory remarks by Ariun-Erdene, governor of Bulgan Province, Mongolia
  • Congratulatory remarks by Zhang Min, governor of Henan Province, China
  • Congratulatory remarks by Mukhin Vsevolod, first deputy prime minister of the Republic of Buryatia, Russia
  • Congratulatory remarks by Nitta Hachiro, governor of Toyama Prefecture, Japan
  • Congratulatory remarks by Ban Ki-moon, the 8th UN Secretary-General (video)
  • Congratulatory remarks by Park Heong-joon, mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea (video)
  • ongratulatory letter from Zhao Gang, governor of Shaanxi Province, China
• Session 1
  • Report on the 13th NEAR Working Committee (Ulsan City)
  • Report on the main activities of the NEAR Secretariat (Secretariat)
  • Agenda review and resolutions
    1. Approval of new membership (Gansu Province of China, Altai Republic of Russia)
    2. Approval of the establishment of subcommittees (on energy cooperation-Inner Mongolia of China; on digital economy-Liaoning Province of China)
    3. Approval of the name revision to “The NEAR High-Level Working Committee”
    4. Approval of the election of Liaoning Province as the 15th NEAR Chair
• Session 2
  • The Wing of Exchange of Northeast Asia in Shimane (Shimane Prefecture, Japan)
  • Report on the activities and plans of the Subcommittee on Environment (Toyama Prefecture, Japan)
• Presentations by Member Regions
  • China (Shanxi and Jilin Provinces)
  • South Korea (Sejong Special Self-Governing City)
  • Mongolia (Khovd Province)
  • ussia (Tomsk Region)
• Release of the 14th NEAR General Assembly Declaration (Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea)

2023 NEAR 국제포럼

• Theme : The Era of Great Transition, Exploring Ways to Promote Cooperation Among Northeast Asian Regional Governments
• Date : December 6-8, 2023
• Venue : Lahan Select Hotel, Gyeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea
• Host/organizer : NEAR Secretariat / Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
• Format : Online & offline / Simultaneous interpretation provided in five languages
• Participants : Approx. 200 persons (38 member regions and 16 related institutions from five countries)
  • China-32 persons from 11 member regions; Japan-2 persons from 2 member regions; South Korea-31 persons from 8 member regions; Mongolia-23 persons from 10 member regions; Russia-11 persons from 7 member regions
  • 32 invited speakers, representatives of related institutions, local university students, and etc.
• Main Contents : Opening ceremony, expert session, special lecture, regional government session.

NEAR Member Workshop

• Date : June 28-30, 2023
• Venue : Lahan Hotel, Gyeongju City, South Korea
• Host/Organizer : NEAR Secretariat
• Participant : 103 persons [87 officials of 48 member regions from 5 countries (47 member regions + 1 observer region), 16 staff from the NEAR Secretariat]

Main Contents

• Report on major activities of the NEAR Secretariat in 2022 and project outline for 2023.
• Presentations and promotions by member regions on major projects.
• Discussion on exploring cooperative projects
• Cultural & industrial tours (Gyeongju National Museum, POSCO)

The 11th NEAR Youth Art Contest

• Registration Deadline : By September 27, 2023
• Eligibility : Youth aged 12-18 from 86 member regions (77 members excluding North Korea, 1 associate member, and 8 observers).
• Theme : What Our Festivals Tell Us about Northeast Asia (festivals you want to be a part of, festivals you want to tell everyone about)
• Total No. of Submissions : 827 (31 members, 2 observers, 1 non-member)
  • Awardee : 200 persons (1 first prize, 10 second prizes, 20 participation awards, 169 special recognition awards)

Exhibitions showcasing the awarded artworks were held.

• Purpose : To promote NEAR by displaying the youth artworks for six years.
• Exhibitions in South Korea
  • Period : August – December, 2023
  • Venue : Gyeongbuk Library, Pohang Gallery Sangsaeng, Ulsan UECO, Gwangju City Hall, Sejong City Hall/

Publishing of the 2023 NEAR Annual Report

• Project Period : November 2023-February, 2024
• Number of Copies : 1,000 books in six languages (Korean/English/Chinese/Japanese/Russian/Mongolian)
• Main Contents
  • NEAR Secretariat’s major activities
  • Cooperative activities of related organizations.

The 13th NEAR Working Committee

• Date: September 21, 2022
• Venue: Ulsan Exhibition & Convention Center (UECO), Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea
• Participants: 54 member regional governments from five countries and one observer
  • South Korea: 9 member regions
  • China: 12 member regions
  • Japan: 4 member regions
  • Mongolia: 18 member regions
  • Russia: 11 member regions and 1 observer
• Main Content
  • Opening ceremony: welcoming remarks by KIM Doo-gyum, mayor of Ulsan Metropolitan City; opening remarks by AHN Hyo-dae, deputy mayor for Economic Affairs, Ulsan Metropolitan City; congratulatory remarks by NEAR Secretary-General KIM Ok-chae, and presentation by the NEAR chair
  • Report on the main activities of the NEAR Secretariat followed by presentations on diverse themes by NEAR members
  • Introduction of absentee voting
  • Expansion of associate membership
  • Amendment of provision on operational expenses of the general assembly and the working committee
• The 13th NEAR Working Committee was scheduled to be held offline; but it was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic

2022 NEAR International Forum

• Theme: “Development Strategies for Northeast Asian Farming Villages and the Agro-Food Industry”
• Date: April 28, 2022
• Venue: POSCO International Center, Pohang, South Korea
• Partipants: 57 member regional governmentss from six countries and 8 related organizations
  • South Korea: 10 member regions
  • China: 10 member regions
  • Japan: 5 member regions
  • Mongolia: 20 member regions
  • Russia: 11 member regions
  • Vietnam: 1 associate member (Ho Chi Minh City)
  • 8 related organizations
• Main Content
  • Opening session: opening remarks by NEAR Secretary-General KIM Ok-chae, congratulatory remarks by HA Dae-sung, vice-governor of Economic Planning of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, OU Boqian, secretary-general of the TCS, and keynote speech by LEE Dong-phil, former minister of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs
  • Presentations by experts: introduction to policies and good practices, and solutions to the agro-food sixth industry of five Northeast Asian countries, including South Korea, Chian, Japan, Mongolia, and Russia
  • Panel discussions and Q&A sessions

2022 Secretariat Experience and Training Program for Local College Students

• Period: August 8 ~ 19, 2022 (2 weeks)
• Venue: NEAR Secretariat
• Participants: 12 college students residing in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea
• Main Content
  • Meetings with experts on different NEAR member countries and seconded government officials, lectures, on-the-job training
  • Online meetings with Chinese students
  • Visit to Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government Office and meetings with government officials
  • Coordination and operation of the Model NEAR International Forum

Meetings with the NEAR Honorary Ambassadors

• Venue: International Conference Room, NEAR Secretariat
• Participants: honorary ambassadors to five Norheast Asian countries
• Main Content: explanations on how the NEAR Secretariat started the program to appoint NEAR ambassadors and discussions on how to promote NEAR
• Meetings with the honorary ambassadors to each Country
  • South Korea: two ambassadors to Ulsan Metropolitan City on May 10, 2022 (offline)
  • China: six ambassadors to Hunan Province, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shandong Province, Shanxi Province, and Shaanxi Province on June 28, 2022
  • Japan: one ambassador to Aomori Prefecture on June 21, 2022
  • Mongolia: six ambassadors to Govi-Altai Aimag, Dornogovi Aimag, Orkhon Aimag, Selenge Aimag, and Khuvsgul Aimag on November 4, 2022
  • Russia: five ambassadors to Altai Region, Irkutsk Region, Magadan Region, and Republic of Khakassia on October 20, 2022

Holding the 10th NEAR Youth Art⋅Poster Contest

• Theme: “What I Want the World to Know about My Culture”
• Period: March ~ December 2022
• Submissions : 32 members, 3 obervers, 1 non-member
  • South Korea(64), China (565), Japan(122), Mongolia(19), Russia(57)
  • Awardees: 201 First Place: 1 Second Place: 5 Participation Awards: 20 Special Recognition Awards: 170 Special Awards: 5

Exhibitions of the NEAR Youth Art⋅Poster Contest Award-Winning Works from Five Northeast Asian Countries

• Objective: To promote NEAR through exhibitions of the NEAR Youth Art⋅Poster Contest Award-winnindg works over the past six years
• Exhibitions in South Korea
  • Period: September ~ November 2022
  • Venue: Sejong City Library, Songdam Manri Exhibition Hall in Sejong; Jeollanam-do Public Library; Dongrak Hall, Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government Complex; and Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Educational East Asia Global Education Institute
• Online Exhibitions in China
  • Period: 2022
  • Venue: government websites, WeChat official site, and national exhibition halls of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shandong Province, Hunan Province, and Shaanxi Province

Publishing the NEAR Annual Report 2022

• Project Period : November 2022 ~ February 2023
• Number of Copies : 1,010 books (Chinese/English/Japanese/Korean/Mongolian/Russian)
• Main Content
  • NEAR Secretariat’s main activities
  • Cooperative activities of related organizations

Participating in the Opening Ceremony for the K-Blue Zone Forum Held by Gyeongsang National University

• Date: January 26 ~ 27, 2022
• Venue: Gyeongsang National Univerrsity, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
• Main Content
  • Opening remarks by LEE Yang-gu, president of the K-Blue Zone Forum
  • Welcoming remarks by KWON Soon-ki, president of Gyeongsang National University
  • Congratulatory remarks by NEAR Secretary-General KIM Ok-chae
  • Commemorative keynote speech
  • Inaugural meeting

Participating in Online Meeting of the Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum

• Period: March 2 ~ 4, 2022
• Theme: “Siberia: Economy of Future”
• Format: Online
• Main Content
  • Three staff members of the International Cooperation Department, NEAR Secretariat participated in the forum
  • As a result of the forum, 37 investment project contracts that amounted to RUB 8.2 billion (about 600 milion) were signed

Giving a Special Lecture at the Pohang Medical Center

• Lecture Topic: “The Japanese Royal Family and the Korean Peninsula in Ancient Times”
• Date: March 30, 2022
• Venue: Pohang Medical Center, South Korea
• Participants: More than 100 employees
• Main Content
  • Confirming through historical sources that the southern part of the Korean peninsula and the Yamato court were political and military allies
  • Stressing that the people of both countries should not be immersed in the memories of modern and contemporary history but must regain the spirit of our forefathers and need to make efforts for the common prosperity of Asia through genuine historical reconciliation

Attending the Daegu⋅Gyeongbuk Public Diplomacy Symposium 2022 for Korean Local Governments

• Date: June 3, 2022
• Venue: Keimyung University, Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea
• Theme: “Public Diplomacy in the Global Era and Further Public Diplomacy by Local Governments”
• Main Content
  • NEAR Secretary-General KIM Ok-chae participated in the discussion as a panelist and introduced NEAR’s role and presented ways to expand traditional public diplomacy by using multilateral international organizations

Attending the Reception to Mark the 30th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Korea and China

• Date: August 19, 2022
• Venue: Paradise Hotel, Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea
• Participants: more than 240 representatives from the political, business, academic, and media fields and overseas Chinese organizations within the competent jurisdiction of the Chinese Consulate-General in Busan
• Main Content
  • Opening remarks by Consul-General Guo PENG
  • Video congratulatory messages by PARK Hyeong-jun, mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, and HONG Nam-phyo, mayor of Changwon City
  • Congratulatory remarks by ambassadors for international relations in Busan Metropolitan City, Ulsan Metropolitan City, and Gyeongsangnam-do Province
  • Stressed the success of cooperation over the past 30 years since Korea and China established diplomatic relations

Delivering a Congratulatory Message at the 2022 Taiyuan Low Carbon Development Forum Hosted by Shanxi Province, China

• Period: September 1 ~ 3, 2022
• Format: Online·Offline
• Participants: director and experts on China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia of the International Cooperation Department of the NEAR Secretariat
• Theme: “Energy, Two-carbon policies (carbon neutrality and carbon peak), and Development”
• Main Content
  • NEAR Secretary-General KIM Ok-chae delivered a congratulatory video message at the opening ceremony and appreciated Shanxi Province’s efforts in seeking a prompt response to climate change and sustainable development

Participating in the Reception to Celebrate the 73rd Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China

• Date: September 29, 2022.
• Format: online
• Participants: more than 100 representatives from the political, economic, media, and Chinese overseas associations within the competent jurisdiction of the Chinese Consulate-General in Busan
• Main Content: three staff members from the NEAR Secretariat, including CHOI Ju-hwa, director of the International Cooperation Department participated in the event online

Participating in the 61st Tamna Cultural Festival Held in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

• Date: October 7 ~ 9, 2022
• Venue: Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea
• Main Content: NEAR Secretariat arranged performers from Tuv Aimag, Mongolia, a NEAR member to visit and deliver a performance during the Cultural Exchange Festivals program and assisted with consecutive interpretation for the successful holding of the event

The 13th NEAR General Assembly

• Date : August 10, 2021
• Theme : “After 25 Years Together, into the Future We Go!”
• Venue : POSCO International Center, Pohang City, Korea
• Participants : 70 NEAR regional governments from five countries, one associate member and two observers
  • Korea : 48 from 16 member regions
  • Japan : 15 from 8 member regions; 2 from 1 observer
  • Mongolia : 53 from 19 member regions
  • Russia : 38 from 15 member regions; 3 from 1 observer
  • Vietnam : Ho Chi Minh City (associate member): 3 from 1 associate region
• Main Content
  • Decision on selecting Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea, as the venue of the next General Assembly (Election of Chair Regional Government)
  • New membership of Liaoning Province, China
    * The 13th NEAR General Assembly was postponed for one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was held in Pohang, paid for out of the NEAR Secretariat budget due to the special circumstances, taking into account that it was held online.

Hosting Two Rounds of the 2021 Secretariat Experience and Training Program for Local High School Students

• Dates
  • Third Round : Jan 11, 2021 - Jan 13, 2021
  • Fourth Round : Jan 18, 2021 - Jan 20, 2021
• Venue: NEAR Secretariat, Pohang-si, Republic of Korea
• Number of Participants
  • Third Round : 11
  • Fourth Round : 6
• Main Content
  • Introduction of Roles and Functions Played by the NEAR Secretariat
  • Lectures Given by Experts in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Mongolian and Russian and Conversations with Seconded Government Officials from NEAR members
  • Trip to the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government Office and Andong Area

The Ninth NEAR Youth Art⋅Poster Contest

• Period : April - December 2021
• Type of Artwork : Drawing / Poster
• Theme : “Northeast Asian Countries I Want to Travel After the COVID-19 Pandemic Is Over”
• Eligibility : Youth aged 13 - 18 from one of the 77 NEAR member regions
• Submissions : Total of 456 artworks (29 from Korea, 290 from China, 49 from Japan, 49, 17 from Mongolia, 71 from Russia)
• Number of Awardees : 180
  • First Place : 1
  • Second Place : 4
  • Participation Awards : 20
  • Special Recognition Awards : 155

Exhibitions of Award-Winning Works from Five Northeast Asian Countries for the NEAR Youth Art⋅Poster Contest

• Venues and Dates for Exhibitions
  • 1st Ulsan Library : 2021.9.7. - 2021.9.17.
  • 2nd Gimcheon Municipal Library : 2021.9.18. - 2021.10.1.
  • 3rd Gyeongbuk Libarary : 2021.10.1. - 2021.10.16.
  • 4th Chungnam Library : 2021.10.18. - 2021.10.29.

Holding Video Conference with “NEAR Youth Honorary Ambassadors” from the Republic of Sakha, Russia

• Date : April 8, 2021
• Number of Participants : three staff members from the NEAR Secretariat and two youths from the Republic of Sakha
• Main Content : The NEAR Secretariat appointed two persons from “Intersfera” a public youth organization of the Republic of Sakha as NEAR Youth Honorary Ambassadors

Holding Video Conference Related to Liaoning Province, China, Joining NEAR

• Date : April 12, 2021
• Number of Participants : 12
  • NEAR Secretariat : 6
  • Foreign Affairs Office of Liaoning Province: 6
• Main Content: Liaoning Province submitted an application for NEAR membership to the NEAR Secretariat and presented ways to cooperate between the organizations. In doing so, Liaoning Province became the 79th official NEAR member upon approval at the 13th General Assembly.

Participating in 「The 17th Krasnoyarsk Economic Forum of Russia」 Online

• Date : April 14, 2021
• Participants : over 8,000 offline participants and over 7,000 online participants from a total of 30 countries
• Theme : “Economy and Pandemic: Russian Perspective”
• Main Content : Five staff members from the NEAR Secretariat, including Secretary-General Kim Ok-chae, attended the main session of the forum online. In addition, investment contracts worth RUB 53.5 billion were signed at the forum for a total 20 projects in the fields of the infrastructure improvement of the mineral industry and the tourism and service industries.

Participating in the 14th General Assembly of the Northern Forum Hosted by Russia Online

• Date : April 28, 2021
• Participants : six NEAR member regions, six staff members from the NEAR Secretariat
• Main Content : The chair region gave a presentation on the major activities of the Northern Forum. Also, representatives and experts of member regions reported on their activities and promoted their events to revitalize the Northern regions.

Appointing Promotional Ambassadors for the NEAR Secretariat and Meeting with Promotional Ambassadors

• Date : May 10, 2021
• Participants : three promotional ambassadors and all staff members of the NEAR Secretariat
• Main Content : The NEAR Secretariat appointed promotional ambassadors to China and held a meeting with them in order to talk about NEAR’s roles in supporting the local governments of each country in their public diplomacy and ways to develop NEAR.

Delivering Congratulatory Video Message to the 12th Central China Investment and Trade Expo Hosted by Shanxi Province, China

• Date : May 21, 2021 - May 23, 2021
• Theme : “Opening-up and Cooperation” and “Transformation and Innovation”
• Main Content : NEAR Secretary-General Kim Ok-chae stated, in his congratulatory message, that this Expo would contribute not only to the economic development of China’s central region, but also to common prosperity and peace in Northeast Asia.

Delivering Congratulatory Video Message to the Second Eurasian Women’s Forum Hosted by Kemerovo Region, Russia

• Date : May 24, 2021 - May 25, 2021
• Participants : over 2,000 offline participants and over 100,000 online participants from five countries
• Main Content : The NEAR Secretary-General said, in his congratulatory video message, that there had been discussions on women’s enhanced roles in NEAR members, and that the forum would contribute to enhancing mutual understanding and trust between Northeast Asian regional governments hereafter.

Delivering Congratulatory Video Message to the Fifth China-Arab States Expo Hosted by Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China

• Date : August 19, 2021 - August 21, 2021
• Theme : “Joint Construction of the Belt and Road through Strengthened Cooperation in Economics and Trade”
• Main Content : NEAR Secretary-General Kim Ok-chae stated, in his congratulatory message, that the expo would serve as a bridge connecting Northeast Asia and the Arab world. Mr. Kim’s message was also reported in the Ningxia Ribao, the Ningxia government newspaper, and on Sina.com, the largest Chinese-language web portal.

Delivering Congratulatory Video Message to the 2021 Taiyuan Energy Low Carbon Development Forum Hosted by Shanxi Province, China

• Date : September 3, 2021 - September 4, 2021
• Theme : “Energy, Climate, and Environment”
• Main Content : The NEAR Secretary-General stated, in his contratulatory message, that Shanxi Province had made great efforts to buil a better future for humanity through carbon neutrality and green growth.

Delivering Congratulatory Video Mesage to the First China (Ningxia) International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo Hosted by Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China

• Date : September 25, 2021 - September 27, 2021
• Theme : “Chinese Wine that Surprises the World”
• Main Content : NEAR Secretariat Kim Ok-chae congratulated Ningxia on its success in the global wine market and wished Ningxia further success in the future through the NEAR platform in his congratulatory message. Mr. Kim’s message was reported in China via the local press, including Guangming Daily and China Youth Daily.

Delivering Congratulatory Video Message to the Second Northeast Asia Cooperation Roundtable Hosted by Jilin Province, China

• Date : September 22, 2021
• Theme : “To Connect Market Resources and Jointly Build a Northeast Asia Maritime Economic Cooperation Community
• Participants : more than 140 participants from six Northeast Asian countries including participants from Hamgyeongbuk-do Province and Rasun Special City, North Korea
• Main Content : NEAR Secretary-General Kim Ok-chae delivered his congratulatory message, as a representative of one of the co-hosting organizations. Mr. Kim commended Jilin Province on its efforts to contribute to exchange and cooperation in Northeast Asia. His message was reported in China via the local press, including Xinhuanet and Jilin Daily.

Participating in the Third Korea-Russia Regional Cooperation Forum Hosted by Ulsan Metropolitan City, South Korea

• Date : November 3, 2021 - November 5, 2021
• Participants : among NEAR member regional governments, 12 South Korean regions, including Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and five Russian regions, including Sakhalin Region
• Main Content : The NEAR Secretariat arranged the bilateral summits between local governments on behalf of Korean member Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and Russian members, including the Republic of Sakha, Sakhalin Region, and the Republic of Buryatia and provided interpretation services.

Providing Support for Associate Member Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in its Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Main Content : NEAR associate member Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, requested the NEAR Secretariat for support due to the surge in COVID-19 pandemic cases and difficulties in securing medicine and vaccines. In response, the NEAR Secretariat circulated the request to all member regional governments, and three South Korean members, including Chungcheongbuk-do Province, Gangwon-do Province, and Ulsan Metropolitan City expressed their intent to helpd and provided support.

◎ Publishing of the NEAR Annual Report 2021

• Project Period : November 2020–February 2022
• Number of Copies : 1,010 books (Korean/Chinese/Japanese/Russian/Mongolian/English)
• Main Content
  • NEAR’s major activities
  • NEAR Secretariat’s major activities
  • Cooperative activities of related organizations

<Secretariat – Activities>

Secretariat – Activities

• Term: April 1, 2020–March 31, 2022
• Number of Appointees: 40 people from 27 member regional governments of five countries
• Appointment Method: Delivering letters of appointment from the Secretary General and business cards to individuals
• Future Plans
  • Inviting honorary ambassadors to the NEAR Secretariat to a briefing on the roles of honorary ambassadors, sharing experiences of individual promotion activities; discussion of public relations plans and ways to promote NEAR.

The Secretariat’s Experience⋅Training Program for Korean College Students

• Period
  • 1st Round: July 13–July 24, 2020
  • 2nd Round: August 18–August 28, 2020
• Number of Participants
  • 1st Round: 11
  • 2nd Round: 10
• Major Activities
  • Roles of NEAR Secretariat
  • Listening to lectures by experts and discussions with seconded public officers
  • Going on a field trip to Gyeongsangbuk-do Office and Andong City

Eighth NEAR Youth Art⋅Poster Contest

• Duration of Event: April–December 2020
• Area: Art / Poster
• Theme: Culture of Northeast Asia, Future of Northeast Asia
• Eligibility: youth (middle/high school students) from member regions
• Number of Entries: 323 submissions (18 from South Korea, 105 from China, 22 from Japan, 132 from Russia, and 46 from Mongolia)
• Number of Awardees: 146 (one Grand Award, four Excellence Awards, 15 Encouragement Awards, 126 Special Recognition Awards)

Hosting Exhibition for Award-winning Works of the NEAR Youth Art⋅Poster Contests from Five Northeast Asian Countries

• Location and Period
  • 1st Round (Gyeongsangbuk-do Office of Education Cultural Center): July 20–July 30, 2020
  • 2nd Round (Gyeongsangbuk-do New Office): July 31–August 31, 2020
  • 3rd Round (Pohang Hotel Art Fair): October 28–October 30, 2020

Publication of 2020 NEAR Annual Report

• Duration of Work: November 2020–March 2021
• Circulation: 1,010 copies published in six languages, Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Mongolian
• Main Content
  • Major activities of the Secretariat
  • Containing cooperative activities with related organizations and others

<Cooperative Activities with Related Organizations>

Online Participation in the International Forum Commemorating the First International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

• Date: September 7, 2020
• Location: Seoul, the Republic of Korea (on/offline)
• Theme: Clean Air and Climate Change Partnership for All
• Participant Member: 22 members of five countries
  • South Korea: 14 regional governments
  • China: Anhui Province, Shaanxi Province
  • Japan: Hyogo Prefecture
  • Mongolia: Uvurkhangai Province
  • Russia: Republic of Sakha, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Khabarovsk Territory, Primorsky Territory
• Main Content
  • Reading the inter-municipal joint declaration and the code of practice (by former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Governor of Chungcheongnam-do Province Yang Seung-jo, and NEAR Secretary General Kim Ok-chae)
  • Sharing policies and best practices between regional governments in Northeast Asia
  • Discussions with future generations at home and abroad

Participation in the International Video Conference Hosted by the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) and the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS)

• Date: August 5, 2020
• Format: online
• Participant: 72 participants from seven members of two countries
  • South Korea: Chungcheongnam-do Province, Jeollanam-do Province, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
  • China: Shaanxi Province, Shanxi Province, Shandong Province, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region
• Main Content
  • Sharing the status of smart city projects and future methods of development for each country
  • Introducing smart cities implemented in actual cities

NEAR Special Session in the Northern Forum Hosted by the Republic of Sakha, Russia

• Date: September 28, 2020
• Format: online
• Theme: New Ways of International Cooperation Development in a Post-Pandemic World
• Participant: 111 participants from 32 member regional governments of four countries
  • South Korea: Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Busan Metropolitan City, Sejong Special Self-Governing City, Daegu Metropolitan City, Daejeon Metropolitan City, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
  • China: Anhui Province, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Hunan Province, Heilongjiang Province, Shanxi Province
  • >Mongolia: Darkhan-Uul Province, Sukhbaatar Province, Uvs Province, Khovd Province, Khentii Province, Dornod Province
  • Russia: Republic of Sakha, Altai Territory, Irkutsk Region, Kemerovo Region, Krasnoyarsk Territory, Republic of Buryatia, Republic of Khakassia, Tomsk Region, Khabarovsk Territory, Amur Region, Sakhalin Region, Kamchatka Territory
• Main Content
  • Welcoming speech/congratulatory remarks, presentations by representatives of member regions

Member Regional Governments Submit Works in the COVID-19 & HUMAN International Photo Exhibition Hosted by Jeju Province, South Korea

• Duration of Event: September 18–October 11, 2020
• Format: online
• Theme: COVID-19 & HUMAN
• Submission Member
  • South Korea: Gwangju Metropolitan City, Busan Metropolitan City, Incheon Metropolitan City, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
  • China: Shanxi Province (Xian)
  • Mongolia: Dornogovi Province
  • Russia: Magadan Region, Republic of Sakha, Republic of Khakassia

Participation in the 15th Jeju Forum for Peace & Prosperity

• Period: November 5–November 7, 2020
• Location: Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, the Republic of Korea (on/offline)
• Participant: Director of the Department of International Cooperation and experts from the NEAR Secretariat
• Theme: Reinventing Multilateral Cooperation: Pandemic and Humane Security
• Main Content
  • Diplomat Round Table – Changing Dynamics of Northeast Asia Multilateral Cooperation

Participation in the UN ESCAP ENEA

• Date: October 22, 2020
• Format: online
• Participant: Director of the Department of International Cooperation and experts from the NEAR Secretariat
• Theme: Inclusive Subregional Cooperation in East and North-East Asia for Sustainable Development
• Main Content
  • Session1: presentations on broad-based and inclusive subregional cooperation priorities
  • Session2: discussions on strengthening institutional subregional cooperation mechanisms

Hosting the Conference of the Globalization of Regions in the Global Korea Convention 2020

• Date: December 11, 2020
• Location: Seoul, the Republic of Korea (on/offline)
• Theme: Ways to Invigorate Exchange between Northeast Asia Regional Governments
• Main Content
  • NEAR Secretary General Kim Ok-chae’s opening remarks
  • Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province Lee Cheol-woo’s welcoming speech (read by Han Jae-sung, Director of the Division of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province)
  • Themed Presentations
      - Kim Hyeong-soo, Professor at Dankook University: Ways to Invigorate Exchange Between Northeast Asian Regional Governments
      - Lee Seung-geun, Professor at Keimyung University: Ways to Invigorate Exchange Between Northeast Asian Regional Governments Based on the Realities of Exchange Between European Local Governments
  • Discussions
      - Chair: NEAR Secretary General Kim Ok-chae
      - Discussant: former Korean ambassador to Brazil Koo Bon-woo, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for International Economic Policy Suh Jin-kyo, Professor at Sungkonghoe University Yang Kee-ho, and Director of the Division of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province Han Jae-sung
  • Results
      - The conference served as an opportunity to invite experts and devise ways to overcome the limitations of exchange and cooperation between Northeast Asian regional governments. Furthermore, the conference provided an opportunity to make practical developments at a time when international exchange has been suspended due to COVID-19.
      - About 400 people viewed the live broadcast in Korean and about 180 in English via YouTube

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2019

• Date : Wednesday, April 24 to Friday, April 26, 2019
• Venue : Gyeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea
• NNumber of Participants : approximately 100 attendees from 39 member regional governments of five countries
• Participant Members
  • South Korea : Busan Metropolitan City, Daegu Metropolitan City, Incheon Metropolitan City, Gwangju Metropolitan City, Daejeon Metropolitan City, Sejong Special Self-Governing City, Gyeonggi-do Province, Gangwon-do Province, Chungcheongbuk-do Province, Jeollanam-do Province, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
  • China : Heilongjiang Province, Hunan Province, Jilin Province, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shandong Province, Shanxi Province
  • Japan : Tottori Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Shimane Prefecture, Toyama Prefecture
  • Mongolia : Arkhangai Province, Bayan-Ulgii Province, Bayankhongor Province, Bulgan Province, Govisumber Province, Dornogovi Province, Dornod Province, Dundgovi Province, Zavkhan Province, Orkhon Province, Uvurkhangai Province, Tuv Province, Khentii Province, Ulaanbaatar City
  • Russia : Irkutsk Region, the Republic of Sakha, Krasnoyarsk Territory
• Main Content : Discussion on the agenda related to the General Assembly and others

2019 NEAR Working Committee

• Date : Tuesday, August 6 to Thursday, August 8, 2019
• Venue : Yakutsk City, the Republic of Sakha, Russia
• Number of Participants : approximately 80 attendees from 19 regional governments of four countries

  Number of Participants

  Country	Number of Participants	Name of Participant Members
  China	15 participants from six members	Henan Province, Heilongjiang Province, Hubei Province, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Shandong Province
  Japan	8 participants from three members	Toyama Prefecture, Hyogo Prefecture, Shimane Prefecture
  South Korea	17 participants from seven members	Gwangju Metropolitan City, Ulsan Metropolitan City, Gyeonggi-do Province, Chungcheongnam-do Province, Jeollanam-do Province, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Gyeongsangnam-do Province
  Russia	26 participants from three members	The Republic of Sakha(Yakutia), Krasnoyarsk Territory, Amur Region

• Main Content
  • Presentations on the results of major activities implemented by the Secretariat in 2019 and the project plan for 2020
  • Presentations on items to promote for each regional member government
  • Presentations and discussions on the agenda of the Working Committee

2019 Northeast Asia Young Leaders Forum

• Date : July 9 to July 15, 2019
• Venue : Krasnoyarsk Territory, Russia
• Number of Participants : approximately 60 attendees from 21 regional governments of five countries
• Main Content : Special lectures, themed discussions and presentations, exploration of culture, etc.

Seventh NEAR Youth Art·Poster Contest

• Duration of Event : April to November, 2019
• Area : Art / Poster
• Theme : Promotion of NEAR and introduction of the culture of member regions
• Eligibility : youth (middle/high school students) from member regions
• Number of Awardees : 41 awardees (one Grand Award, four Excellence Awards, 15 Participation Awards, 21 Special Recognition Awards)

Publication of 2019 NEAR Annual Report

• Duration of Work : November 2018 to March 2019
• Circulation : 1,050 copies written in six languages, Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Mongolian
• Main Content
  • Major activities of the General Assembly, the Working Committee, Subcommittees, etc.
  • Activities of the Association, including the Secretariat’s projects, etc.

2019 Subcommittees

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2018

• Date : June 21(Thurs.)-June 23(Sat.), 2018
• Venue : Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea
• Number of Participants : 100 participants from 40 member regional governments of 5 countries
• Agenda
  - agenda discussion for General Assembly

Twelfth General Assembly

• Date : October 28(Sun.)-October 31(Wed.), 2018
• Venue : Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China
• Number of Participants : 150 participants from 29 member regional governments of 5 countries
• Agenda
  - Membership registration of new member (1)
  - Co-ordinate autonomous body operation of Subcommittee on Tourism
  - Establishment of Subcommittees on Innovation Plus, Youth Policy, and Traditional Medicine

Northeast Asia Youth Leaders Forum

• Date : August 17(Fri.)-22(Wed.), 2018
• Venue : Handong Global University, Pohang, South Korea
• Number of Participants : 82 participants from 5 countries
• Main Activities
  - Special lecture, discussions and presentations on subthemes, cultural experiences

Sixth Youth Contest

• Duration of Event : April-November, 2018
• Area : Art/Poster
• Theme : Promotion of NEAR, Introduction of Culture, Nature Conservation
• Eligibility: youth (middle/high school students) from member regions
• Number of Awards : 20 (-1 grand prize, 4 excellence awards, 15 participation awards)

Publication of 2018 NEAR Annual Report

• Schedule : November, 2018 - March, 2019
• 1000 issues available in six languages (Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Mongolian)
• Main Contents
  - Summary of NEAR meetings
  (General Assembly, Working-level Workshop, Subcommittees)
  - NEAR Secretariat events and joint activities

2018 Subcommittee Schedule

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2017

• Date : April 19-21, 2017 (two nights and three days)
• Venue : Jeju Special Administrative Province, South Korea
• About 100 Working-level officers from 40 regions and organizations from 5 countries attended
• Agenda
  - Presentation of main activities of NEAR Secretariat in 2016 and plan in 2017
  - Presentation and promotion of the NEAR members
  - Discussion on subcommittee coordination, follow-up of membership fee adoption, revision of the regulations on NEAR subcommittees management

NEAR International Forum 2017

• Date : September 25-28, 2017
• Venue : Sunshine Hotel, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China
• Theme
  'Deepening Production Capacity, Promoting Regional Development in Northeast Asia.'

2017 NEAR Working Committee

• Dates : September 25-28 2017
• Venue: Sunshine Hotel, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China
• Participants: 70 attendees (54 from 27 member regional governments from five countries) 16 staff
• Agenda
  1) Annual Report of the NEAR Secretariat and Activity Plan for 2018
  2) Promotion of the NEAR member regional governments

Northeast Asia Youth Leaders Forum

• Date : August 6-12, 2017 (six nights and seven days)
• Venue : Busan University of Foreign Studies, Busan Metropolitan City
• Participation : 98 attendees (23 from China, 2 from Japan, 21 from south Korea, 24 from Mongolia, 17 from Russia, 11 staff)
• Main Activities
  - Opening and Closing Ceremony, Welcome and Farewell Dinner
• Topic Discussions, Presentations, Special Lecture, Cultural Experiences

Fifth Youth Contest

• Schedule : April–September, 2017
• Theme
  Introducing the Culture of Northeast Asia
• Participation : Youth in the member regions (middle/high school students)
• 20 Awards (2 Grand Awards, 4 Excellence Awards, and 14 Special Recognition Awards)

Publication of 2017 NEAR Annual Report

• Schedule : November 2017-February, 2018
• 900 issues in 6 languages(Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and Russian)
• Contents
  - Summary on the NEAR meetings
  (General Assembly, International Forum, Working-level Workshop, Subcommittees)
  - Secretariat events and NEAR activities

Subcommittee Meeting Schedule in 2017

The 11th General Assembly

• Date : September 27-29, 2016 (one night and two days)
• Venue : Irkutsk Region, Russia
• About 150 attendees from 30 regions and organizations of five countries
• Main Activities
  - New members from 4 regions of China
  - Adoption of membership fee: 1,000 USD/ year
  -Appointment of the next Chair (the 12th General Assembly): Hunan Province, China
  - Revision of the NEAR Charter: Adoption of associate membership, revision of the function of the General Assembly and quorum for decision making
  - Activation of NEAR Subcommittees
  - Selection of the next Chair region and the place for the 12th General Assembly meeting in 2018
  - NEAR’s 20th Anniversary Ceremony

NEAR International Forum 2016

• Date : November 25-26, 2016 (one night and three days)
• About 330 attendees (85 participants from 35 regions of five member countries)
• Theme
  - The Role of Tourism in Collaboration andDevelopment in Northeast Asia

NEAR Working-level Workshop 2016

• Date : April 27-29, 2016 (two nights and three days)
• Venue: Pohang City, South Korea
• About 90 Working-level officers from 38 regions and organizations from five countries attended)
• Agenda
  - Special lecture and case-introduction of the effective regional cooperation and prosperity
  - Presentation of main activities of NEAR Secretariat in 2015 and plan in 2016
  - Presentation and promotion of the NEAR members
  - Discussion on membership fee, revision of the NEAR Charter
  - Cultural tour (Posco, GyeongjuYandong Village)
  - NEAR Secretariat visit

Northeast Asia Youth Leaders Forum

• Date : August 7-13, 2016 (six nights and seven days)
• Venue : DonggukUniversity,Gyeongju Campus
• Participation : 77 attendees (college students and young adults from five member countries)
• Main Activities
  - Topic discussions and presentations, special lecture, cultural experiences (Gyeongju and Pohang)

The 4th Youth Contest

• Schedule : April – August, 2016
• Theme
  ＊Essay Theme
  What can we do to learn about the region and one another as citizens of Northeast Asia?
  * Art/Poster Theme
  ① Culture of Northeast Asia/ Conservation of Cultural Heritage
  ② Environmental Issues and Suggested Solutions in Northeast Asia.
• Participation : Youths in the member regions (middle/high school students)
• 16 Awards (two Grand Awards, fourExcellence Awards, and ten Special Recognition Awards)

Publication of 2016 NEAR Annual Report

• Schedule : November 2016 - February, 2017
• 900 issues in 6 languages(Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian and Russian)
• Contents
  - Summary on the NEAR meetings
• (General Assembly, International Forum, Working-level Workshop, Subcommittees)
  - Events and Secretariat News

Sub-Committee Meeting Schedule in 2016

The 10th Working Committee

• Date/Venue : October 13-16, 2015 / Irkutsk, Russia
• Participated byAbout 100 attendees from 23 member regions of 5 countries
• Main Activities: Report on the 10th General Assembly in Jeollanam-do Province and Sub-Committee meetings
• Agenda
  - Proposal to set regulations for the NEAR Membership Fee System and the activation plans for the Sub-Committees
  - Revision of the NEAR Charter
  - Introduction of the Associate Member system
  - Candidate selection for the next Chair region (two-year term from 2016 to 2017)

NEAR International Forum 2015

• Date/Venue : November 18-20, 2015 / Millenium Hilton Seoul, South Korea
• Participated by: About 200 attendees from 50 member regions of 5 countries
• Topic : Disaster Prevention and Governance in Northeast Asia
• Host : NEAR Secretariat, Institute of Global Affairs of Kyung Hee University

The 10th Working-level Workshop

• Date/Venue : May 20-22, 2015/ Hyundai Hotel in Gyeongju, South Korea
• Participated by: About 100 attendees from 36 member regions of 5 countries
• Main Activities
  - Presentation on the Secretariat’s achievements in 2014 and service plans of 2015
  - Discussion and review on the draft of Membership Fee System and the activation plans for the Sub-Committees

Professional Internship Program of NEAR

• An intern Korean teacher sent by NEAR to Republic of Tuva, Russia (September, 2015- June, 2016)
• Suport by NEAR: airfee purchase and visa acquirer fee

The 3rd Youth Essay Contest

• Date : June – December, 2015
• Objectives: To raise youth interest and promote cultural exchange and the identity of World citizienship
• Participnats : Youth in Northeast Asia (mid-high school students)
• A total of 56 entries from 5 countries
  - 2 (China), 6 (Japan), 25 (South Korea), 1 (Mongolia) 22 (Russia)
• 6 Award winners
  1 Grand Award (Japan) and 5 Honor Awards (China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, Russia)

Sub-Committee Meetings

• 6 Meetings on Sub-committees
  - the 13th Sub-Committee meeting on Disaster Prevention (March 9-12, 2015, Hyogo Prefecture Japan)
  - the 15th Sub-Committees meeting on Ecucation and Cultural Exchange (July 31 – August 5, Shimane Prefecture, Japan)
  - the 2nd Sub-Committees on Agriculture (October 20-23, 2015, Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea)
  - the 4th Sub-Committee on Ocean and Fishery (October 28-30, 2015, Shandong Province, China)
  - the 12th Sub-Committee on Environment (November 11, 2015, Toyama Prefecture, Japan)

The 10th NEAR General Assembly held

• Date/Venue : October 21~24, 2014, Youngam County, Jeollanam-do Province
• Participated by: 100 people from 33 member regions of five countries
• Agenda: Activity Report of the 9th Working Committee, Activity Report of the NEAR Secretariat
• Resolution
  - New Membership Registration (Jilin Province, Republic of Khakassia)
  - Revision of the NEAR Charter (hosting period of the Working-Committee)
  - Selection of Next Chair Region (Two-year term, Irkutsk Region, Russia)

NEAR International Forum 2014 held

• Date/Venue : August 27~30, 2014, Khabarovsk City, Russia
• Participated by: 150 people from 25 member regions of five countries
• Agenda : Presentation and discussion on seeking a new growth engine in the region, MOU signed between R20 and NEAR

The 9th Working-level Workshop

• Date/Venue : May 21~23, 2014, Daegu Metropolitan City
• Participated by: 80 people from 37 member regions of five countries
• Agenda : resentation on ways to enhance exchange and best cases of regional growth

Sub-committee Meetings

• 12th Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention (March 10~13, 2014, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan)
• 3rd Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources Development & Coordination (July, 19, 2014, Magadan Region, Russia)
• 14th Sub-Committee on Educational & Cultural Exchange (August 1~6, 2014, Shimane Prefecture, Japan)
• 1st Sub-Committee on Life & Medical Industry (September 29~October 2, 2014, Chungcheongbuk-do Province)

Promotion of New Membership Registration

• Heilongjiang Province and Jilin Province among three provinces in Northeast region of China joined NEAR(General Assembly, September, 2014)
  - NEAR promotional team dispatched for Liaoning Province to join NEAR (November, 2014)
• Khakassia of Russia joined NEAR (General Assembly, September, 2014)
  - Establishment of a foundation for exchange and cooperation among regional governments, including South Korea, three northeast provinces, Primorsky Territory, and North Korea

Staffs Seconded from NEAR Members to the Secretariat Started to Work (nine-year)

• 1 person respectively from China, Russia, Mongolia, and Japan has started to work at the Secretariat since March, 2006
• Composition of organization and enhancement of international service effectiveness as an international organization

Promotion Activities, including production of promotional video and publication of promotional materials

• Production of NEAR promotional video in six languages and promotion of NEAR's exchange and cooperation activities and main projects.
• Publication of bi-monthly NEAR News (six times a year in six languages, a total of 11,950 copies)
• Publication of NEAR Annual Report and distribution to NEAR members and related organizations (363 organizations)
• Visit to NEAR member regions and promotion of NEAR
  - Visit to 10 member regions and observer regions across five countries from March to November, 2014 and support for and promotion of the NEAR's activities

The 9th NEAR Working Committee

• 60 attendees from 25 members across five countries and held on September 10-13, 2013 in Youngam County, Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea
• Activity Report of the 9th General Assembly 2012 and Sub-Committees
• Result of the NEAR Vision 2020, PioNEAR (Professional Internship Program of NEAR), and NEAR Essay Contest
• Resolution: Submission of candidate regions to host the General Assembly 2016- Zabaikal and Irkutsk Region of Russia to the General Assembly and Uvurhangai Province of Mongolia, Establishment of Sub-Committee on Sports, Revision of the name of Sub-Committee on Economy & Trade into Economy & Humanities Exchange

The 8th NEAR Working-level Workshop

• held on May 28~30, 2013 in Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, participated by 97 attendees from 46 members across five countries
• Preparation of the chance to develop and unite the Association and enhancement of mutual understanding by establishing human networks

Sub-Committees

• Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention (March 11~14, 2013, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan), Sub-Committee on Environment (October 28~30, 2013, Toyama Prefecture, Japan), Sub-Committee on Agriculture (September 10~13, 2013, Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea), Sub-Committee on Ocean & Fishery (November 5~7, 2013, Shandong Province), Sub-Committee on Economy & Humanities Exchange (December 11~13, 2013, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province)
• Support for project development in accordance with 13 Sub-Committees and Enhancement of cooperation for joint-coordinator system

Cooperative Projects linked with Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Council

• Visit to Shanxi Province, China, Meeting between the National People's Congress and Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Council, Support for Gyeongsangbuk-do Silk Road Grand Bazar Event(April 4~7)
• Meeting between the Planning & Economic Committee of the Gyeognsangbuk-do Provincial Council and the NEAR Secretariat (December 24)

Staffs Seconded from NEAR Members to the Secretariat Started to Work (eight-year)

• 1 person from China, Russia, Mongolia, and Japan has started to work at the Secretariat since March, 2006 (except for Japan in 2006)
• composition of organization befitting international organization and enhancement of international service effectiveness

Publication and Distribution of Promotional Materials

• Distribution of bi-monthly NEAR News (six times a year in six languages, a total of 13,200 copies)
  ※ Pohang City's Administration Promotion Published (Vol. 51,31 of 2013, 4200 copies distributed)
• Publication of NEAR Annual Report and Distribution to NEAR members and related organizations (350)
• Publication of promotional leaflet (in six languages) and distribution to NEAR members and related organizations

Visit to NEAR Member Regions and Promotion of the Association

• Visit to 15 member regions and observers across six countries from March to November, 2013 and support for and promotion of the Association's activities

Building Networks for International Cooperation

• Participation in Trilateral Business Networking Reception held on January 17, 2013 at Seoul Plaza Hotel
• Discussion on Activation plans for the Association and Guide for the Visit to the Gyeongsan factory of Maeil Dairies Co.Ltd while delegates of Tuv Governor, Mongolia's visiting to Pohang
• Building a mutual cooperative partnership with and participation in R20 (Regions of Climate Action) held on January 31 to February 1 in Vienna, Austria
• Participation in Gunsan City Promotion Program aimed at Chinese public officials to Korea on January 14-15, 2013 in Gunsan City, Jeollabuk-do Province
• MOU Signed between NEAR and the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Acedemy of Sciences on February 21, 2013
• Support for CLAIR Seoul office's Participation in Seminar and visit to Pohang city
• Opinion exchange regarding regional governments system of Korea and China while delegates led by Nankai University in Tianjin, China 's visit and discussion on exchange and cooperation among regional governments of Northeast Asia after listening to main services on April 23
• Participation in China Central Expo held on May 17~20, 2013 and Discussion on Activation Plans for Sub-Committee on Tourism of Henan Province, China
• Participation in China Harbin International Economic and Trade Fair held on June 15~19, 2013 in Heilongjiang Province, China and Discussion on Trade Promotion Plans among Regional Governments
• Assistance with International Child Festival and International Youth Exchange Events held in June~August, 2013 by Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China.
• Visit to the Republic of Tuva, Primorsky Territory, and Krasnoyar나 Territory of Russia and Discussion regarding holding International Forum and NEAR's Promotion activities on August 4-9
• Participation in the welcome reception for TCS(The Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat) Secretary General on August 28
• Visit to Irkutsk Government, Russia and Discussion on holding General Assembly 2016 on October 29
• Participation in Sub-Committee on Ocean & Fishery held in Shandong Province, China and the chair of the Forum on Emerging Ocean Industry and Construction of Blue Silicon Valley on November 5-7
• Visit to Tenjin, China and Encouragement of Joining the Association on November 7-9
• Participation in the 15th Korea-China-Japan Trilateral Local Government Exchange Conference held on November 10~13, 2013 in Toyama Prefecture, Japan and Discussion on exchange and cooperation among three regional governments
• Participation in the 6th Korea-Russia Business Dialogue held on November 13, 2013 in Seoul and meeting with Irkutsk delegation led by the Governor
• Participation in a reception to celebrate the 20th Aanniversary of the opening of the CLAIR Seoul Office held on November 20, 2013 in Seoul
• Discussion on antlers export and impot between Daewon RDT, Korean antler enterprise and the Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Tuva, Russia on November 21, 2013 in Seoul

Interpreting and Translating Service Using Experts, including Regional Governments

• Translating service for Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial office's New Year's card to Russia (January, 2013)
• Interpreting service for I-KAIST's opening ceremony to introduce Smart School in Mongolia and for Yoo Jong-geun, Jeollanam-do Province's former govorner's visit to Mongolia (March, 2013)
• Translating service for Japanese sports team during the welcome dinner of the 6th Fursal Game (April, 2013)
• Interpreting service for Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia while visiting Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial office (July, 2013)
• Interpreting and translating service for completion ceremony of Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial office training related to land and city development of Ulaanbaatar City, Mongolia (August, 2013)
• Translating service for expanding friendship exchange between Russian regional governments and Hunan Province of China (August, 2013)
• Interpreting service for a Mongolian case at Pohang North Police Station (October, 2013)
• Translating and interpreting service regarding exchange between Erdenet City of Mongolia and Gyeongsan City (October, 2013)
• Translating service of official document between Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial office and Primorsky Territory of Russia (October, 2013)
• Translating and interpreting service for Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial office's visit to Irkutsk Legislative Assembly and Irkutsk State Linguistic University of Russia (October, 2013)
• Translating service of exchange and cooperative project suggestions between Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Mongolia (November, 2013)
• Interpreting service for Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial office's Administration Governor while Ulaanbaatar Vice Governor of Mongolia's visit to the Gyeognsangbuk-do Provincial office (November, 2013)
• Homestay and interpreting service while Shimane Prefecture of Japan's Visit to Pohang City (November, 2013)

Support for holding the 9th NEAR General Assembly

• 170 participants from 45 organizations across 6 countries attended the General Assembly at Ninxia Hui Autonomous Region China from 24~27 July 2012
• Decision of Long-term placement of a standing Secretariat (Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea) and the venue to host the General Assembly 2014 (Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea)

The 7th NEAR Working-level Workshop held

• 81 participants from 38 organizations across 5 countries attended at the Working-level Workshop at Gyeongju City and Yeosu City from 29~31 May 2012
• Promotion of Co-prosperity of NEAR’s member regional governments and visit to International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012

Support for facilitating Sub-Committee

• Sub-Committee on Disaster Prevention (12~15 March 2012, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan)
• Sub-Committee on Mineral Resources Development & Coordination(1~3 August 2012, Magadan Region, Russia)
• Sub-Committee on Educational and Cultural Exchange(3~8 August 2012, Shimane Prefecture, Japan)
• Sub-Committee on Energy& Climate Change (9~11 October 2012, Daegu Metropolitan City, South Korea)
• Sub-Committee on Cross-border Cooperation( 6~9 November 2012, Irkutsk Region, Russia)
• Support for project development according to 13 Sub-Committees and enhancement of cooperating system for common coordinating operation

Member Governments Staff Dispatch Program

• One person from China, Japan, Russia, and Mongolia worked at the Secretariat
• Construction of organization and improvement of efficiency of foreign services suitable for an international organization

Publication and Distribution of Promotion materials

• Distribution of bi-monthly NEAR News (6 times in 6 languages)
• Publication of Promotion leaflets (in 6 languages) and distribution of the leaflets to member regions and relevant institutions

Visit to member regions and Promotion Activities for NEAR

• Visit to 9 regional governments across 9 countries, encouragement of NEAR’s activities, and promotion of NEAR activities between March to November 2012

Providing Various Regional Information through website

• Introduction of NEAR and the Secretariat, and member regional governments
• Publication of news on the Secretariat and member regional governments

Enhancement of NEAR’s Cooperative Networks

• Built mutual cooperation partnership, including signing MOU between NEAR and R20(Regions of Climate Action) in Geneva, Switzerland from 6~11 March 2012
• Signed MOU by participating in AER(Assembly of European Regions) General Assembly held in Strasbourg France on October 12 2012

NEAR Website rebuilt

• Building global website improved in terms of accessibility, with independent servers and international web standard applied according to expansion of member regions between June to December 2012

Research and Study for NEAR’s New Vision conducted

• Suggestion of long-term plan, including preparing development direction for 21st century’s NEAR and mutual exchange and cooperative plans among Northeast Asia member regions governments between June to December 2012

Cooperation and exchange with regional governments and support for interpretation and translation using experts

Support for the 8th Working Committee at Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region

• 81 participants from 24 organizations across 5 countries attended the Working Committee at Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from 18~21 July 2011
• The application of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, South Korea, for Extension of Term of office and Long-term Placement of the NEAR Secretariat was approved and the venue(Jeollanam-do Province, South Korea) to host the NEAR General Assembly 2014 was also decided.

The 6th Working-level Workshop held

• 83 participants from 36 organizations across 5 countries attended the Working-level Workshop at Gyeongju City , Gyoengsangbuk-do Province, from 18~20 May 2011
• Provided an opportunity for NEAR’s Unity and development and increased mutual understanding by building networking

The 5th NEAR International Forum held

• 170 participants, including member regions from 5 countries attended the International Forum at Seoul Metropolitan City from 31 October~2 November 2011
• The first Meeting with an invitation of NEAR Chairman of Sub-Committee held
• A Search for Methods for cooperation among 21st century’s Northeast Asia regional governments

Member Governments Staff Dispatch Program

• One person from China, Japan, Russia, and Mongolia worked at the Secretariat
• Construction of organization and improvement of efficiency of foreign services for an international organization

Visit to member regions and Promotional Activities for NEAR

• Visited 9 regional governments across 4 countries and encouraged NEAR activities between May to July 2011
• Promotion of NEAR Activities with participation of persons from relevant institutions of member regions in Working Committee in July 2011

Publication and Distribution of Promotion materials

• Distribution of bimonthly NEAR News Letter (6 times)
• Publication of Promotion Leaflets (in 6 languages) and distribution of the leaflets to member regions and relevant institutions

Building Cooperative Network with international organizations

• Promotion of cooperation with organizations at home and abroad, including ASEAN KOREAN Center and UNESCAP

Support for Cooperation and Exchange among regional governments

• Support for signing MOU between Uiduk University, South Korea and Orkhon University, Mongolia in July 2011
• Support for the visit of Officials from Fukuoka Prefectural University, Japan to Pohang City in September 2011
• Support for preparing Exchange Forum between South Korea-Hubei Province, China in November 2011
• Holding Business meeting with delegations headed by Governor of Irkutsk Region in December 2011

Support for organizing the 8th General Assembly in Gyeonggi-do Province

• 121 representatives of 48 regions from five countries participated in the General Assembly on 27-29 October, 2010
• The host of the 2012 General Assembly was decided(Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China); new regions were admitted to NEAR membership.

The 5th Working-level Workshop

• 68 officials from 25 regions of five countries participated on 25-27 May, 2010 in Gyeongju City, Korea
• Enhanced solidarity and mutual understanding among member regions through human networking, contributing to the growth of NEAR.

The 4th NEAR International Economic Forum

• 290 business leaders and experts from five Northeast Asian countries attended the Forum which was held on 26th October, 2010 in Gyeongju.
• Discussed how to promote regional collaboration on green growth in Northeast Asia

Publishment and distribution of NEAR White Paper

• NEAR White Paper, the historical record of NEAR, was published in six languages(Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Mongolian and Russian)
• Distributed to NEAR members and international organizations

Secondment of public officials from member regions to the Secretariat(4th consecutive year)

• Since May, 2007, four public officials every year, each representing China, Japan, Mongolia and Russia have been seconded to the Secretariat.
• To enhance efficiency in international relations work

Publishment and distribution of NEAR brochures and pamphlets

• NEAR News Letter published every second month(6 times a year)
• Leaflets were published in six languages and distributed to member regions and international organizations.

Expansion of membership

• Membership status: 69 regions from six countries → 70 regions from six countries(China 1, Japan 10, Korea 15, Mongolia 22, Russia 15); five regions as observers
• Associate membership introduced aimed at expanding NEAR membership beyond Northeast Asia to Central Asia

Cooperation network with international institutions

• The NEAR Secretariat delegation attended the General Assembly of AER(Assembly of European Regions) on 10-12 November, 2010
• Direction of future NEAR-AER cooperation was announced.

Various information posted on the NEAR web site

• Information provided on member regions and their major events
• Presentation documents of the International Economic Forum posted

Support for establishing sisterly ties among regions and institutions

• Gyeongbuk Provincial College - Huanghe S & T College(June 2010)
• Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute for Korean Traditional Medical Industry, Korea - Institute of Chinese Medicine, Henan Province, China(October 2010)
• Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province - Darkhan-Uul Province, Mongolia(November 2010)

Support for cooperation and exchange activities among regions and institutions

The 7th Working Committee in Gyeonggi-do Province

• Date : September 22~25, 2009
• Venue : Suwon City, Gyeonggi-do Province, Korea
• Participated by : 59 representatives of 29 member regions from five countries
• Agenda
  • Proposal on the establishment of three new Sub-Committees
  • Decision on the next host of the General Assembly

The 4th Working-level Workshop

• Date : May 19, 2009
• Venue : Gyeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
• Participated by : 64 representatives of 42 member regions from five countries
• Provide a venue for human networking between working-level staffs of NEAR members, thereby building an effective working system and contributing to development and solidarity of NEAR

The 3rd NEAR International Economic Forum

• Date : May 20 2009
• Venue : Gyeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
• Participated by : 300 people from 42 regions of 5 countries
• Agenda : Inter-regional partnership to overcome the global economic crisis

Special Committee Meeting on Membership Fee

• Date : May 18 2009
• Venue : Gyeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province
• Participated by : 15 delegates from 5 regional governments representing each NEA member countries
• Agenda : Review on the introduction of membership fee, which was delegated by the 7th General Assembly to the Secretariat

Publication of NEAR White Paper

• The Korean version of the White Paper was published as a historical record of NEAR
• To be published in other NEA languages in 2010

Member Governments Staff Dispatch Program

• Four staffs dispatched from China, Japan, Mongolia and Russia worked at the Secretariat for one year
• Aims that members are equally and efficiently represented at the Secretariat befitting NEAR's status as an international organization

Publicity Policy

• Publication of NEAR Newsletter and promotion leaflets (in six languages)
• Increase brand awareness by distributing promotion materials to 280 organizations, including NEAR members

NEAR Working-Level Workshop

• Working-level officials of NEAR members were invited to exchange views on better operation of NEAR
• The Workshop laid the foundation for cohesion and effective cooperation among NEAR members by enhancing networking and solidarity among working-level officials.
• Date : May 2008 (3 nights 4 days)
• Venue : Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea

2008 NEAR International Economic Forum

• An int'l forum participated by Northeast Asian business leaders, experts and academics in the field of economy and commerce.
• Aims to seek substantial and concrete measures to promote joint development of the Northeast Asian region.
• Date : November 2008 (2 nights 3 days)
• Venue : Gyeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea

NEAR Brochure & Newsletter

• The official newsletter "NEAR News" published every second month
• Provides information and news on NEAR members
• Aims to enhance understanding of NEAR and promote NEAR activities
• NEAR Brochure - Aims to enhance publicity
• Updated regularly with information on new members

Revision of NEAR Homepage

• Establish and update databases on the existing and new members of NEAR
• Aims to create an on-line Secretariat to facilitate communication and flow of information among member regions as a cyber hub of NEAR exchange and cooperation

Support of the 2008 General Assembly in Shandong

• Date : September 2008
• Venue : Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
• Main Agenda
  • Approval of new membership
  • Establishment of Sub-Committees on Tourism / Ocean & Fishery, Appointment of coordinating regions
  • Review and decision on introducing NEAR membership fee
  • Decision on the host of 2010 General Assembly and the NEAR Secretariat

Expansion of Membership

• Expansion of membership to raise the global standing of NEAR as an international organization representing Northeast Asia
• Publicity activities to introduce NEAR to non-NEAR member regions in Northeast Asia
• Membership expanded from 65 to 69 regions

Operation of International Training Program

• Help dispatched staffs from overseas adapt to the new environment in Korea by providing Korean language lessons
• Language courses (English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Mongolian) scheduled to be offered

Contribution to Economic Exchange in Northeast Asia

• NEAR Secretariat contributed to the promotion of economic exchange among NEAR members
• Date : April 22 (Sun.) ~ April 28 (Sat.)〔 7 days〕
• Visit to NEAR members : Ulaanbaatar City of Mongolia, Hubei Province of China, Henan Province
• Activities and Results
  • Ulaanbaatar City of Mongolia : Conclusion of MOUs between Ulaanbaatar City and chambers of commerce in Gyeongsangbuk-Do Province, trade consultation
  • Hubei Province of China : Official meeting with the vice-governor of Hubei Province, conclusion of MOUs between chambers of commerce in Hubei Province and Gyeongsangbuk-Do Province, trade consultation
  • Henan Province : Participation in investment and trade fairs

Organization of the 2nd NEAR Working-Level Workshop

• The 2nd NEAR Working-Level Workshop provided a venue for human networking between working-level staffs of NEAR members, thereby building an effective working system and contributing to development and solidarity of NEAR
• Date : May 15 (Tues.) ~ 5.18 (Fri.) 〔 4 days〕
• Venue : Gyeongsangbuk-Do Province (Gyeong-ju, Andong, Yeongju, Mungyeong, Goryeong)
• Participants : 80 people from 32 NEAR members of five countries
• Activities
  • Announcement of major projects of the NEAR Secretariat in 2007, discussion on how to expand exchanges among NEAR members
  • Report by NEAR members on provincial government activities and cooperation issues, visit to the NEAR Secretariat, cultural experience tour

Support to Organizing the 6th NEAR Working Committee Meeting in Shandong Province, China

• Shandong Province, elected as the host province of the 7th NEAR General Assembly, reviewed activities of NEAR Sub-Committees and working-level discussion was held on various pending issues during the committee meeting.
• Date : September 3 (Mon.) ~ September .6 (Thur.)〔 4 days〕
• Venue : Sofitel Silver Plaza Jinan, Shandong Province, China
• Participants : 80 people from 31 NEAR members of five countries
• Activities and Results
  • The establishment of Sub-Committees on Tourism/Maritime and Fishery discussed
  • Decision made to refer the membership fee issue to the 2008 General Assembly
  • Decision made for Gyeonggi-Do Province to host the 2010 General Assembly
  • Decision made to refer the issue of continued retention of the NEAR Secretariat by Gyeongsangbuk-Do Province to the 2008 General Assembly (2009-2013)
  • Preliminary arrangements for the 2008 General Assembly

Organization of the 2007 NEAR International Economic Forum

• 2007 NEAR International Economic Forum, participated by renowned scholars and entrepreneurs, was held to find concrete and practical ways to promote joint-development of Northeast Asia.
• Date : October 16, 2007~ October 19, 2007〔 4 days〕
• Venue : Inter Burgo Hotel, Deagu Metropolitan City
• Theme : Toward the enhancement of economic cooperation among Northeast Asian regional governments
• Speaker : 11 people from 5 countries (China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia)
• Participants : 300 people from 22 NEAR members of five countries
• Themes of Speeches
  • Conditions for the development of Northeast Asia
  • Toward the enhancement of economic cooperation among regional governments in Northeast Asia
  • Community building in Northeast Asia through cultural denominator
  • Toward Northeast Asian regional cooperation and East Asia community

Staff Dispatch from NEAR member regional governments to the NEAR Secretariat

• Staffs from NEAR member regional governments were dispatched to the NEAR Secretariat to facilitate effective work at the Secretariat and enhance solidarity among NEAR members
• Staff Dispatch Program
  • Number of Dispatched Staffs : 4 (one staff each from China, Japan, Mongolia and Russia) Dispatch
  • Period : Yearly staff rotation since May 2005

Operation of International Training Program

• International Training program was operated to help dispatched staffs adapt to the new environment
• Program
  • Korean language class for foreign staffs - taught by volunteer workers
  • Language - and international etiquette training course
  • Open to local citizens (students, entrepreneurs and etc.)

Production and Distribution of NEAR Booklets

• The Secretariat produced and distributed various types of booklets to NEAR members and related agencies and authorities to enhance publicity of NEAR activities at home and abroad.
• Published Booklets
  • NEAR Pamphlet - published in six languages including Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Mongolian
  • distributed to NEAR members, non-members and related agencies and authorities in Northeast Asia NEAR News
  • NEAR News - published every two months in Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian and Mongolian
  • distributed to NEAR members, non-members and related agencies on a regular basis

Strengthened Position of NEAR through Membership Expansion

• NEAR expanded its membership to establish its position as an international organization representing Northeast Asia.
• Publicity efforts were made in order to encourage non-members to join the organization
• NEAR member provinces in Korea encouraged their sisterhood cities and provinces to join NEAR membership
• Officers dispatched from overseas local governments through K2H Program (Korean Heart to Heart : The program was initiated by Korean Local Authorities Foundation for International Relations to promote international cooperative relationship) contributed to the publicity work
• Results
  • Membership expansion : 65 member local governments from 6 countries ⇒ 71 member local governments from 6 countries
  • Membership application submitted - Magadan Region (Russia)
  • Intent of application - Tianjin City, Shanxi Province, Gansu Province (China), Ulsan City (Korea)
  • Observer - Yamaguchi Prefecture (Japan), Liaoning Province (China)

Attracted member organizations and expanded.

• With active attracting activities such as sending PR missions, 27 organizations from 4 countries joined newly.
• Expanded to 65 member organizations of total 6 countries, acquiring the status as the international organization: Korea(11), China(6), North Korea(2), Japan(10), Mongolia(22), Russia(14).

NEAR homepage (economy and trade network) operation

• '06.May 24 held an opening ceremony of Northeast Asia economy and trade network.
• Operated video conference system, e-commerce support system, and merchandise exhibition hall.
• Played a role as Northeast Asia information bank and contributed to activation of cyber business exchange.

Held the 6th general assembly

• '06. Sep.12~Sep.15, 131 people of 51 organizations from 5 countries participated in Busan (the biggest size in the history).
• Enhanced its role in the federation with the proceeding the first general assembly leaded by the secretariat.

Established the practical subcommittee and held a working-level workshop.

• '06. May.17~May.19, 50 people of 20 organizations in 5 countries participated in Gyeongju.
• Strengthen ties among its member organizations and established cooperative network.

Staffs from member organizations worked at the secretariat

• From May 2006, each one of staffs from China, Russia, and Mongolia has worked.
• Enhanced structural composition fitting to the headquarters of an international institute and efficiency of foreign works.

Published promotion materials

• Published NEAR NEWS in 5 languages and distributed to 200 organizations including member organizations.
• Utilized the federation’s official flag confirmed at the Busan general assembly.