Dialogue highlights democracy, global alliances, and Seoul’s inclusive policy vision
The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on August 21 that Mayor Oh Se-hoon held a special dialogue with Professor James A. Robinson of the University of Chicago under the theme of national growth. Professor Robinson, who won the Nobel Prize in Economics last year, is a world-renowned scholar recognized for his research on the relationship between political and economic institutions and the drivers of national prosperity.
The event, titled “Pathways to Sustainable Prosperity,” drew about 100 participants, including students benefiting from Seoul’s flagship education welfare program “Seoul Learn”. It was also livestreamed on YouTube to reach a wider audience.
In his keynote lecture prior to the dialogue, Prof. Robinson praised Korea’s economic development as “one of the world’s most remarkable success models.” He emphasized, “Korea achieved rapid growth because it built inclusive economic and political institutions. To ensure sustainable prosperity, it is vital to safeguard democracy and strengthen democratic alliances in the international community.”
Mayor Oh highlighted that Korea’s prosperity was rooted in the assurance that challenges would be rewarded fairly. He said, “This belief is embedded in Seoul’s inclusive policies such as Seoul Learn and the Steppingstone Income program. Such initiatives should not merely be welfare, but investments in future generations.”
Prof. Robinson also shared in-depth insights on Korea’s success factors, the dangers of populism, and challenges facing younger generations, referencing his renowned book Why Nations Fail. Addressing Korean youth, he urged, “You must become a generation that seizes opportunities in a changing world while safeguarding the values of democracy.”
The scholar is also scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the upcoming 2025 Seoul International Steppingstone Income Forum in December, where he will present on “Policy Mechanisms Responding to Socioeconomic Changes: The Steppingstone Income.”
Mayor Oh concluded, “I have long drawn profound insights from Prof. Robinson’s work on the pathways of urban and national prosperity. I believe today’s dialogue has inspired and moved all participants. I hope this meeting will serve as an important milestone toward sustainable national prosperity.”
