Call for Proposals: ‘2026 Seoul ODA Challenge Program’ (Project Track)

Seoul, March 10, 2026 – The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) hereby announces the call for applications for the 2026 Seoul ODA Challenge Program (Project Track), aimed at supporting sustainable urban development and improving the quality of life in developing countries through the provision of Seoul’s exemplary, citizen-centered policies that deliver tangible, on-the-ground impacts.

1. Program Overview

 1.1 Program Title: 2026 Seoul ODA Challenge Program (Project Track)

 1.2 Program Budget: Up to KRW 400 million per project (approximately USD 270,000)

 1.3 Project Period: July–December 2026 (approximately 6 months)

 1.4 Project Types: Seoul-led project-based ODA (Soft Infrastructure ODA)

– Soft Infrastructure ODA: Citizen-centered social infrastructure, operational systems, and public services

 1.5 Program Objective: To support the implementation of citizen-centered policies in partner cities to promote sustainable urban development

– To provide policy planning, consulting, and local implementation support based on Seoul’s exemplary policies and technologies

 

2. Eligibility

 2.1 Eligible Applicants: Local governments and equivalent public entities in countries classified as ODA recipients under the OECD

DAC criteria

 2.2 Mandatory Requirement: Availability of basic infrastructure and management measures necessary for project implementation

     – Bonus Criteria:Provision of human resources, facilities, materials, and equipment required for project operation  (to be quantified in monetary terms)

 

 

3. Eligible Projects

 3.1 Supported Projects: Applicants must select one (1) project with reference to Seoul’s Top 10 Citizen-Centered Policies.

     – Reference Information: Seoul Metropolitan Government English website and other relevant sources

· 2025 Seoul Top 10 News – Featured Projects: https://english.seoul.go.kr/2025seoulnews/

 

4. Required Documents

 4.1 Project Application Form (Attachment 1)

 4.2 Official application letter signed by the Mayor or an equivalent authorized official

 4.3 Reference materials to facilitate understanding of the proposed project
(e.g., policy implementation sites or related background information)

 

5. Application Method

 5.1 Application Period: February 20 – March 20, 2026, 18:00 (KST)

 5.2 Submission Method: Email submission to seoulsoftoda@seoul.go.kr

– Email subject line: 2026 Seoul ODA Challenge (Project Track) / City Name / Project Title

 

6. Implementation Schedule and Selection Process

 6.1 Tentative Schedule

– Program Announcement(20th Feb)

– Application Submission(by 20th Mar)

– Project Selection(Mar.)

– Field Survey(Apr.–May.)

– Consultant Selection(Jun.– July.)

– Project Implementation(July.–Dec.)

         Note: The schedule is subject to change depending on project selection results and local conditions.

 6.2 Selection Process

– Review of submitted applications (eligibility screening and quantitative evaluation)

– Project Selection Committee meeting (qualitative evaluation)

– Selection of priority negotiation cities

– Final project confirmation through field survey and detailed scope definition

 

For more information, please visit: https://news.seoul.go.kr/economy/archives/571072

About WeGO

The World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), is a membership-based international association of local governments, smart tech solution providers, and institutions committed to the transformation of cities into smart sustainable cities through facilitating public-private partnerships (PPP). WeGO was founded by 50 member cities in 2010 as the World e-Governments Organization, hence our acronym. In response to the evolving concept of smart cities, WeGO expanded its vision and mandate at the 4th General Assembly (2017) and its name to the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization. WeGO’s Secretariat is based in Seoul, Korea, and has regional offices in East Asia (Chengdu, China), Africa (Abuja, Nigeria), Middle East & North Africa (Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates), Latin America (Cuenca, Ecuador), and Central Asia (Almaty, Kazakhstan). As the leading platform on smart city development, WeGO’s mission is to share knowledge and good practices in e-Governance; strengthen administrative efficiency and transparency; advance digital capacity; facilitate civic involvement; bridge the digital divide and inequality; and promote cooperation solidarity among cities and local governments around the world.

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