The Republic of Korea joined the United Nations in September 1991, expanding its active participation and contribution in multilateral diplomacy commensurate with its elevated stature in the global community. In September 2001, Dr. Han Seung-soo, then Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, was elected by acclamation as President of the 56th Session of the General Assembly.
 | A Korea International Cooperation Agency rescue team searches for survivors near Phuket, Thailand, after the 2004 tsumani. |
Even before joining the UN, however, the Republic of Korea was active in the United Nations specialized agencies, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), as well as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and other key inter-governmental bodies.
It has also helped to launch the Goodwill Ambassadors Program adopted by the UN Interna-tional Drug Control Program as part of activities for the UN Decade Against Drug Abuse. Korea hosted the 18th session of the Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies, Asia and the Pacific in Seoul in September 1993.
As a member of the UN, the Republic of Korea stepped up efforts to expand its global role. In 1992, the nation became a member of several important UN bodies, such as the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the Governing Council of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the Commission on Human Rights and the Committee for Program and Coordination. At the 47th session of the General Assembly in October 1992, the Republic of Korea was elected to the UN Economic and Social Council, one of the principal UN organs, along with the Security Council and the General Assembly. Korea's financial contribution to the UN regular budget, amounting to US$32 million in 2005, ranks 10th among all member states.
At the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) session in January 1993, the Republic of Korea was elected to serve as a vice-president and also became the chairman of the ECOSOC Committee. The Republic of Korea was also elected to the Commission on Sustainable Development, a new commission established under the ECOSOC in February 1993 to coordinate and monitor environmental and developmental activities.
Throughout its decade-long membership in the UN, the Republic of Korea has participated actively in major issues handled by the world body such as conflict prevention and peacekeeping missions, disarmament talks, environmental protection, development projects and human rights protection. In particular, their role as a non-permanent member in the Security Council during the 1996-1997 period provided invaluable experience through which Korea broadened its diplomatic profile. During its tenure, Korea contributed constructively in the discussions to address major regional conflicts by highlighting the problem of "political refugees."
As a peace-loving member of the UN, Korea is com-mitted to the maintenance of international peace and security, and is therefore actively participating in UN peacekeeping activities. Korea began by deploying a 250-personnel engineer corps to Somalia (UNOSOM II) in 1993. Since then, it deployed a 42-personnel medical unit to Western Sahara (MINURSO) in 1994 and an engineer corps of 198 personnel to Angola (UNAVEM III) in 1995. Korea has further strengthened its role in peacekeeping activities by deploying for the first time a combat infantry unit of over 400 personnel to East Timor (UNTAET). Furthermore in 2002, a Korean military officer was appointed commander of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
Developing countries often face serious problems because they lack experience in preparing economic plans, procuring necessary investment capital and executing the economic policies necessary for sustained economic growth. The Republic of Korea's developmental experience, therefore, can be a model for such nations.
Korea had begun to assist developing countries already in the 1960s when it invited small numbers of trainees and dispatched a few experts overseas. After 1975, when its economy had reached a higher level, Korea began to increase its assistance in a variety of forms: grants of machinery and materials, construction technology aid, Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) loans and direct personnel assistance, especially through a Youth Volunteer Program.
The Republic of Korea also provided assistance to developing countries through multilateral organizations such as the IMF, IBRD, ADB and nearly a dozen other international financial organizations.
In April 1991, the Republic of Korea created the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to consolidate its assistance to developing countries. It provides technical and financial aid to developing countries and shares Korea's development experience and expertise.
KOICA implements various cooperation programs such as dispatching medical doctors, industry experts, taekwondo instructors and other volunteers, inviting trainees to Korea and assisting non-governmental organizations. KOICA contributes to enhancing Korea's image through establishing cooperative relationships with developing countries. Korea contributed US$423 million in Official Development Aid (ODA) in 2004.
The Republic of Korea is committed to the pursuit of cultural exchanges with foreign countries to enhance bilateral friendship and understanding and to contribute to global reconciliation and cooperation. The nation also seeks to introduce Korean traditional art and culture abroad, and supports overseas Korean studies programs as well as numerous academic conferences and athletic exchanges. The Korea Foundation, established in 1991, coordinates and supports international cultural exchange programs.
