On September 1, Secretary-General LIM Byung-jin welcomed a delegation led by Vice President PARK Hye-kyeong of Handong Global University to the NEAR Secretariat. They engaged in discussions regarding the possibility of establishing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for mutual cooperation.

Secretary-General Lim began by extending congratulations to Handong Global University for their inclusion in the preliminary list of the "Glocal University 30." He highlighted NEAR's eagerness to explore avenues for collaboration with Handong in the context of internationalizing local communities. He expressed the organization's desire to solidify this partnership through the signing of an MOU in preparation for the upcoming Young Leaders Forum.

In response, Ms. Park outlined the university's plans to initiate several projects related to "Glocal University 30" aimed at advancing regional globalization. She emphasized that these project objectives align closely with NEAR's goals. Therefore, they are proposing collaboration.

Handong Global University, situated in Pohang City, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is a prestigious four-year private institution founded in 1995. It boasts a student body exceeding 3,900 individuals and is recognized for its leadership in nurturing global talent through a diverse array of international programs.