Oh Se-hoon: "To Overcome Polarization, 'Walking Together with the Vulnerable' is Necessary"

Opening of the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon delivered the keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum, addressing the deepening polarization?a common issue faced by cities worldwide?and raising the need for policies to support socially vulnerable groups. He also introduced the achievements of Seoul’s core administrative philosophy, the ‘Walking Together with the Vulnerable’ policy.

On the 25th, Seoul City announced that Mayor Oh, as the keynote speaker at the opening ceremony of the Mayors Forum, presented Seoul’s vision of ‘Walking Together with the Vulnerable’ and key policies such as ‘Seoul Run’ and ‘Safe Income,’ aimed at creating a sustainable and inclusive city, which is this year’s forum theme. The World Cities Summit Mayors Forum is a gathering of mayors from cities around the world, international organization officials, and business leaders to discuss ways to create livable and sustainable cities. This year’s forum is held over three days from the 24th to the 26th at Seoul DDP.

Mayor Oh stated, “If even one person’s life can be changed through Seoul Run, I believe the budget invested in Seoul Run has been used meaningfully. We will continue to invest in creating ladders of opportunity that can change lives.” He also introduced the effects of ‘Safe Income,’ which, unlike existing welfare programs such as ‘Basic Livelihood Security,’ clearly maintains the work motivation of vulnerable groups.

From a social integration perspective, he introduced the development of the ‘Walking Together with the Vulnerable Index’ to evaluate administrative achievements aimed at resolving polarization and inequality. The ‘Walking Together with the Vulnerable Index’ is the first attempt to assess city-level administrative performance in addressing polarization and inequality from a social integration standpoint, with development results scheduled to be announced early next month.

Mayor Oh said, “The new brand introduced by Seoul City, ‘Seoul My Soul,’ means that Seoul can become a better city when the hearts of Seoul citizens come together,” adding, “I believe the way to solve urban problems such as polarization is the same.”

Meanwhile, Seoul City plans to carry out various programs at the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum, which continues until the 26th, including two policy field visits, a Seoul-Singapore policy exhibition, and an exhibition hall where visitors can experience products and services from 27 innovative companies, including those awarded the CES Innovation Award.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.