WeGO members and partners converge on data, networks, and AI in Jeju

July 18, 2019

JEJU – WeGO today concluded a four-day capacity building workshop on smart sustainable cities and e-government, organized in partnership with the National Information Society Agency of Korea (NIA) and the World Bank in Jeju, Korea.

A diverse group of 28 national and local officials from across Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Europe took part in a series of sessions on Korean and international best practice in new technologies such as 5G, AI, blockchain, and AR/VR, and exchanged strategies on financing and implementing projects that take advantage of these opportunities.

Experts from academia, the public and private sectors, such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), and Korea Telecom (KT) shared insights on the enabling factors for cities’ advancement in new technology. Groups were then formed to come up with action plans on how to tackle issues related to energy, transportation, e-government, and public safety.

The workshop featured technical tours around the island to put a few of Korea’s best practices into perspective. At Jeju Provincial Hall, officials presented on their local government’s plans to make the island carbon free, boost tourism, and diversify the economy. Representatives of the Kakao Corporation also introduced participants to a VR experience at their headquarters.

WeGO Secretary General Kyong-yul Lee joined the workshop on his return from Latin America, to congratulate the participants for their achievements through the program and to present certificates of completion.

This year’s run of the jointly organized annual workshop was designated as an official ITU course. It is one of a catalog of training programs carried out by WeGO for its members to equip them with the tools necessary for smarter and more sustainable development.