Uijeongbu City (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) held the ’10th Culture and Education Policy Strategy Meeting’ at the mayor’s office on October 29 and discussed policies for creating Uijeongbu as a culture and education city.
17 people, including Mayor Kim Dong-geun, the director of the Culture and Learning Bureau, and heads of related departments, attended and discussed the following: ▲direction of establishing the foundation for the MICE industry ▲customized psychological support services to improve youth mental health ▲development plans for Uijeongbu Observatory to become a tourist attraction.
Mayor Kim Dong-geun said, “As a city of culture and education, we will promote policies that citizens can feel.”
The city plans to hold culture and education policy strategy meetings on a regular basis and implement the culture and education city policy that improves the quality of life for citizens through collaboration between departments.
Meanwhile, Uijeongbu City (Mayor Kim Dong-geun) held the ‘4th Welfare Policy Strategy Meeting’ at the mayor’s office on October 29 and explored ways to promote welfare policies through interdepartmental or public-private cooperation.
17 people, including Mayor Kim Dong-geun, the director of the welfare department, the director of the Uijeongbu Senior Club, the director of the Uijeongbu City Volunteer Center, and heads of related departments, attended and discussed ways to revitalize the senior committee and expand jobs for the elderly.
In 2025, the Uijeongbu Senior Committee will expand the number of citizen members to 20 and form subcommittees in four areas: rights protection/welfare promotion, social participation/jobs, health/care, education/leisure/culture, utilizing the expertise of members and maintaining autonomy. We plan to increase participation.
In addition, by opening and operating an integrated support center for jobs for the elderly in 2025, ▲connection and senior citizen self-help groups by establishing a job status database ▲enhancing the efficiency of senior job work by creating a communication space ▲establishing a mutual cooperation system between performing organizations such as strengthening education and networks I plan to do it.
Mayor Kim Dong-geun said, “Seniors should be able to live a dignified old age through self-realization in a healthy life,” and added, “We will revitalize the senior committee for the elderly, expand quality jobs, and realize talent donation and social contribution by power seniors.” He asked, “Please work hard to link customized jobs for .”
In the future, the city plans to hold welfare policy strategy meetings on a regular basis to come up with solutions to pressing welfare issues and discuss collaboration matters.
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Uijeongbu City
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Interview Between Time.news Editor and Expert on Uijeongbu City’s Culture and Education Policies
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to our special interview segment. Today, we have with us Dr. Ji-Soo Han, a well-regarded expert in urban policy and community development, to discuss the recent ’10th Culture and Education Policy Strategy Meeting’ held in Uijeongbu City. Dr. Han, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Ji-Soo Han: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such important initiatives taking place in Uijeongbu.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. At this recent meeting, Mayor Kim Dong-geun emphasized his vision for Uijeongbu as a city of culture and education. In your perspective, what does this mean for the community and how could it potentially reshape the city’s identity?
Dr. Han: Mayor Kim’s vision reflects a progressive approach to city development. By focusing on culture and education, Uijeongbu is likely to foster a more vibrant community where residents not only appreciate cultural assets but also prioritize educational achievements. This shift can transform Uijeongbu’s image, attracting more visitors, enhancing local businesses, and ultimately improving residents’ quality of life.
Editor: The meeting’s agenda included discussions about establishing a foundation for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry and mental health support for youth. How crucial are these elements for Uijeongbu’s development as a cultural hub?
Dr. Han: They are absolutely crucial. The MICE industry can play a significant role in boosting the local economy through tourism and global business interactions. Additionally, customized psychological support services for the youth signify a commitment to mental health—an essential component of a thriving educational environment. When young people feel supported, they are more likely to engage with and contribute positively to their community.
Editor: You mentioned the quality of life for residents. Can you elaborate on the concept of interdepartmental collaboration that the city is pursuing? How does this practice influence the implementation of such policies?
Dr. Han: Interdepartmental collaboration is vital in creating a comprehensive approach to city planning. By encouraging different departments to work together, Uijeongbu can implement programs that are holistic and address multifaceted issues. For example, collaboration between the Culture, Education, and Welfare departments can ensure that cultural initiatives also consider social welfare aspects, thereby effectively addressing the diverse needs of the community.
Editor: You highlight an important aspect. The city plans to hold these policy meetings regularly. In your experience, how important is consistency in these strategies for long-term success?
Dr. Han: Consistency is key. Regular meetings signal to the community that their leaders are actively engaged in improving their lives. This not only builds trust but also creates a framework for accountability. Long-term strategies require ongoing assessment and adaptation, and regular meetings are a great way to facilitate that continuous dialogue among stakeholders.
Editor: Now, Uijeongbu City also held a ’4th Welfare Policy Strategy Meeting’ on the same day. Do you see a significant connection between cultural policies and welfare policies?
Dr. Han: Absolutely. Culture and welfare are often interconnected. A strong cultural framework can enhance community well-being and foster inclusivity. When residents have access to enriching cultural experiences, it can lead to improved mental and emotional health, which is central to welfare policies. For instance, cultural activities can be designed to be inclusive, thereby supporting the city’s aging population and vulnerable groups.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see how these elements intertwine. Before we conclude, what are your hopes for Uijeongbu’s future as it embarks on this journey to become a cultural and educational city?
Dr. Han: I hope Uijeongbu continues to prioritize citizen engagement and maintains open channels for feedback. An inclusive approach ensures that all voices are heard, leading to more effective and tailored strategies. If they can weave together culture, education, and social welfare cohesively, Uijeongbu could indeed become a model for other cities looking to enhance their community vibrancy.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Han, for your insights. It’s clear that Uijeongbu’s initiatives hold great promise, and we look forward to seeing how these strategies unfold in the coming years.
Dr. Han: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see the developments as well.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay connected with Time.news for more updates on urban development and cultural initiatives!