Oh Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul, had a conversation on the 21st with James A. Robinson, a professor at the University of Chicago and the winner of last year's Nobel Prize in Economics.
On this day, the Seoul Metropolitan Government discussed the theme of 'national growth' with Professor Robinson at Seoul City Hall in the morning.
About 100 people attended the discussion, including citizens and students using the city's education welfare policy 'Seoul Learn'.
Before the discussion, Professor Robinson said during a lecture, "The economic growth of Korea was made possible due to inclusive economic and political institutions." He conducts research on the relationship between politics and economic growth and national prosperity and has often referred to Korea as a success model.
Professor Robinson stated, "For Korea to continue to prosper, it must firmly maintain democracy internally and strengthen democratic alliances with other countries externally."
During the subsequent discussion, Mayor Oh noted, "The foundation of the prosperity of the Republic of Korea is the assurance that challenges are guaranteed and fair rewards can be received," adding, "This philosophical approach is embedded in the policies of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, such as the stepping stone income and Seoul Learn."
Mayor Oh remarked, "The profound insights I gained from Professor Robinson's books during my long pursuit of urban and national prosperity have become the groundwork for the Seoul Metropolitan Government's policies that support the underprivileged," and expressed, "I believe this discussion has provided new insights and inspiration for all attendees, including myself, and I hope it will serve as a milestone for sustainable national prosperity."
Meanwhile, Professor Robinson is expected to attend as a keynote speaker at the 2025 Seoul International Stepping Stone Income Forum to be held by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in December. There, he will present on the topic of 'Policy mechanisms responding to socioeconomic environmental changes, stepping stone income.'