Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation, who visited Korea for the first time in 3 years, came to the National Assembly on the 21st and appealed for the expansion of Korea's official development assistance (ODA) and active participation of Korean corporations in the international health sector.
Chair Woo and Chair Gates reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation regarding international health and climate crisis responses during their meeting at the National Assembly chairperson's office that day.
Chair Woo emphasized, "Korea has changed its status from a recipient country of ODA to a donor country, expanding its contributions in global health and humanitarian assistance," adding, "The National Assembly's bipartisan commitment to ODA expansion and international health cooperation is strong regardless of party affiliation."
He continued, "To solve global issues such as the climate crisis and emerging infectious diseases, a new partnership in the international community is essential," and added, "I expect you, Mr. Chair, to play a bigger role in strengthening the global health ecosystem."
In response, Chair Gates directly raised the need for Korea to expand its ODA. He said, "Currently, Korea provides less than 1% of the government budget as aid, which amounts to just under 0.3% of GDP (gross domestic product)," and added, "I hope this will improve to the ideal level of 0.7% of GDP."
He also noted, "Korea has rapidly grown in the bioscience field and has continuously supported the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) since 2000," and added, "I believe many Korean corporations can play a significant role in saving the lives of children around the world by participating in international aid."
After meeting with Chair Woo, Chair Gates held a discussion with members of both parties in the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, once again appealing for the expansion of ODA. He said, "Korea is the only country that has risen from a welfare recipient to an advanced nation and can serve as a great role model to the world."
In response, Commissioner Kim Seok-ki of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee stated, "Korea has continually expanded its ODA as a responsible member of the international community, and I expect the new government to faithfully continue this trend."
Chair Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, leading global IT innovation, established the "Gates Foundation" in 2000, investing assets into global health agendas such as combating infectious diseases, vaccine distribution, and responding to climate change.