1. Columbia University Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, a world-renowned economist and special advisor to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, will give a lecture titled “Ways to Open a New Era in Africa and the ROK’s Role” at the National Assembly Memorial Hall on October 11 at the invitation of the “National Assembly Forum for Africa’s New Era.”

o The lecture was co-organized and co-hosted by the National Assembly Forum for Africa’s New Era and the Foreign Ministry’s African and Middle Eastern Affairs Bureau. It will bring together about 300 people, including around 80 lawmakers affiliated with the National Assembly Forum, officials from the government and public organizations, citizens and university students.

2. The National Assembly Forum for Africa’s New Era, chaired by lawmaker Lee Joo-young and administered by lawmaker Lee Jae-young, was created on September 13 to mobilize the National Assembly’s capabilities and support the ROK companies and people’s entry into Africa. The Forum has planned to hold lectures to enhance people’s understanding of Africa.

o The Forum invited Prof. Jeffrey Sachs as the first lecturer. The Forum will continue to hold a variety of lectures to help lawmakers and the ROK people better understand Africa and to explore the ROK’s role.

3. Jeffrey Sachs, a world-class expert in macroeconomics, graduated first in his class from Harvard University and became the youngest person ever to be appointed a full professor, drawing praise for his genius. Jeffrey Sachs, who has visited poor areas himself, is also known as a doer who puts theory into action. In his lecture, the great scholar and doer is expected to elaborate on his theories, experiences and beliefs regarding “Africa, the rising continent of hope.” 


                          Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFA

*unofficial translation