On the 25th of July 2024, the IPPG’s Centre for Local Government (CLG) hosted the Governors Association of the Republic of Korea (GAROK) for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). A recommitment to the CLG-GAROK Action Plan, the signing signified the ongoing cooperation to further develop and strengthen the mutual interest in fostering a cordial, friendly and strategic partnership between local and state-level government bodies throughout Australia and Korea.
Signed by the CLG Director, Professor Carol Mills, and the Chief of the Local Diplomacy Office (GAROK), Tae-youk Ha, the MOU was an agreement between the organisations to prioritise the following collaborative initiatives:
Knowledge Exchange - Establishing a productive and sustainable channel to help study visit groups from each country to better understand and compare local governance practices of the two countries;
Capacity Building and Skill Development - Co-developing training and fellowship programs to nurture local government officials from Australia and Korea;
Promotion of Local Diplomacy and Governance - Co-hosting policy seminars and workshops on relevant research and topics to advance local diplomacy and governance;
Expertise Exchange and Development - Collaborating on major events or conferences organised by either party where relevant. By sharing their expertise and experiences, both parties can contribute to meaningful discussions and outcomes;
Extended Partnership Support - Supporting cross-border cooperation and partnerships between CLG and comparable applied research centres/organisations in Korea.
Thank you to all those who attended the momentous occasion. The IPPG's CLG looks forward to the continued, thriving partnership with GAROK.
