Prime Minister Han Seung-soo: Youth Concerns Must Be Central to 2045 Strategy

Prime Minister Han Seung-soo stated on August 12, "Without addressing youth issues, there is no future for South Korea."

During the second meeting of the 'Republic of Korea 2045 Strategy Establishment Committee' held at the Government Seoul Office, Han emphasized that the 2045 national development strategy will serve as a roadmap and blueprint for the country's direction over the next 20 years.

This was the first time Han presided over a committee meeting since its launch in May. He noted, "While 2045 may seem far off, it is crucial to prepare now as we approach the 100th anniversary of liberation."

Han diagnosed that South Korea is facing structural crises that threaten its growth potential, including demographic changes, polarization, and regional extinction.

He stressed the importance of how to address these issues through significant transformations and technology, urging thorough preparation for the changing industrial paradigm.

Han identified youth policy as a core task of the 2045 strategy. He stated, "It is vital to incorporate the urgent concerns and sincere proposals of the youth who will lead South Korea in ten years into the strategy, ensuring that future generations become a strong foundation and the main players of South Korea in 2045."

Additionally, he remarked, "By 2045, which marks the significant 100th anniversary of liberation, South Korea must become an 'indispensable South Korea,' and we need to select and pursue bold and challenging tasks to achieve this."

Han also emphasized that the 2045 strategy should not be established unilaterally by the government. He urged that it is not just a government initiative but a collective effort involving future generations and all citizens in preparing for the future, calling for various procedures to allow public participation and to faithfully reflect their opinions in the strategy formulation process.

Meanwhile, the meeting discussed the discourse surrounding the 2045 national development strategy, reviewed survey results conducted among the general public, youth, and experts, and explored ways to specify future strategic directions.

Attendees included Defense Minister An Gyu-baek, Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-joong, Minister of Planning and Budget Park Hong-geun, and Lee Han-joo, chairman of the Economic and Social Research Council.