Suwon Research Institute for Urban Policy Holds Policy Forum on "Society with Reduced Inequality"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] The Suwon Research Institute for Urban Policy (Director Choi Byung-dae) held a "Policy Forum on Society with Reduced Inequality" at the National Assembly Members' Hall on the 20th.

The forum was held to explore strategies and roles of local governments in response to the government's "inclusive state strategy." Approximately 150 people attended, including National Assembly members, city council members, related organizations (such as the Welfare State Society), and general citizens.

Lee Hae-chan, chairman of the Democratic Party, delivered remarks stating, "It is crucial to open the door to an innovative inclusive state and establish a new paradigm for reducing inequality, with local governments playing a very important role." Park Kwang-on, supreme council member of the Democratic Party, Kim Jin-pyo, Kim Young-jin, Yeom Tae-young (Mayor of Suwon), and Jo Myung-ja (Speaker of the Suwon City Council) also delivered remarks.

Lee Sang-i, a professor at Jeju National University and the first speaker, presented five directions for welfare policy reform, including emphasizing the central government's role in addressing gaps in social insurance coverage and improving income replacement rates.

Moon Byung-ki, a professor at the Korea National Open University who spoke second, emphasized reducing social inequality through improving local government capabilities via accumulation of social capital and integration mechanisms.