The Association of North East Asia Regional Governments (NEAR), headed by Secretary-General Lim Byung-jin, conducted the 「2026 NEAR Member Government Officials Training Program」 from June 23 to July 3 with 16 government officials from NEAR member and associate member governments (including regional governments expected to join as associate members). The 11-day, 10-night program, held in collaboration with Yeungnam University and sponsored by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, brought together participants from China (5), Mongolia (8), Russia (1), and Kazakhstan (2).
The training program featured lectures on common challenges facing Northeast Asian regional governments including the digital economy, digital administration and e-government, and AI-driven urban innovation. Participants also visit Daegu Modern Alley and the Daegu Smart City Integrated Operations Center, where they experience firsthand Korea's best practices in regional development and digital innovation.
On June 25, NEAR Secretary-General Lim Byung-jin attended the opening ceremony of the training program held at the AI Smart Education Center of Yeungnam University.
The ceremony was attended by all 16 trainees as well as liaison officers from China, Mongolia, and Russia currently seconded to the NEAR Secretariat. The event began with a welcoming address by Secretary-General Lim, followed by a special lecture by Choi Oe-chul, President of Yeungnam University, entitled 「Sharing Korea's Development Experience: Focusing on the Saemaul Movement」
In addition, on June 26, the trainees visited the NEAR Secretariat and toured the Secretariat and held a dialogue meeting with NEAR Secretary General Lim Byung-jin. During the meeting, they were briefed on NEAR's recent developments, including the expansion of NEAR’s reach through an increase in members and associate members, as well as the growing range of programs and events organized by the Secretariat.
Secretary-General Lim Byung-jin said, "I hope this training program has provided our member government officials with a valuable opportunity to learn about best practices in regional development and digital transformation while strengthening mutual exchanges." He added, "When you go back to home, I hope you share the knowledge and experience gained through this program and contribute to the development of your respective countries."
On July 1, the trainees visited the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Government, where they attended a briefing chaired by Jeon Young-gu, Head of the International Relations Team. They were introduced to the province's key policies, provincial administration, and the current status of its international affairs and trade operations. The participants also exchanged views on ways to further expand cooperation and exchanges between Gyeongsangbuk-do and NEAR member governments.
Now in its third year, the training program has established itself as NEAR's flagship people-to-people exchange initiative. By sharing Korea's successful experiences in the Saemaul Movement and regional development, and recent policies on digital transformation and the AI utilization, the program has made a significant contribution to strengthening the administrative capacity of NEAR member government officials and fostering international cooperation networks.
Meanwhile, at the closing ceremony held on June 30, attended by Lee Sang-ho, Director of the Institute for International Development and Cooperation of Yeungnam University, participants presented their Action Plans, the final outcome of the training program. Awards were presented to the outstanding teams, with the China Team receiving the First Prize. In addition, Tuchinova Anna from Russia was named the Best Participant of the program.
The training program was conducted over 11 days and 10 nights, from June 23 to July 3. It concluded after participants took part in a cultural tour of Seoul, visiting major landmarks including Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Museum of Korea, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul City Hall, and Deoksugung Palace.