USAID Official Highlights Trilateral Development Cooperation Among South Korea, U.S., and Japan

SEOUL – South Korea, the United States, and Japan are collaborating on development projects to demonstrate the benefits of democratic and transparent governance for economic growth. This initiative comes amid rising global competition and is particularly aimed at showcasing an alternative model to countries like China, as revealed by a senior official from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

According to Yonhap News Agency, Assistant to the Administrator of the Bureau for Planning, Learning, and Resource Management at USAID, the trilateral cooperation’s primary goal is to assist countries in developing democratic communities and achieving economic growth. In an interview with Yonhap News Agency, Sumilas discussed the significance of this partnership in the context of increasing U.S.-China rivalry. She emphasized that the joint efforts of the U.S., South Korea, and Japan are a demonstration to the world that democratic, accountable, and transparent governance leads to sustainable economic growth.

Sumilas expressed enthusiasm for partnering with South Korea and Japan on various projects, highlighting the need for unity against rising authoritarianism globally. At the Camp David summit in August, leaders of the three countries agreed to coordinate development assistance globally. Their first trilateral development and humanitarian policy dialogue took place in October.

Following the summit, several projects are planned for the next six to nine months, focusing on women, peace, security, ocean plastics, and digital technology. Sumilas cited a specific project in Ghana, where the three countries collaborate to enhance primary healthcare access for women and children and address global health security issues.

Furthermore, a “humanitarian dialogue” is scheduled for early next year to address climate change-induced disasters in the Indo-Pacific and other regions. Sumilas underscored the strong synergy among the three countries in areas such as global health security, technology, digital access, and women’s issues.

South Korea’s transformation from a recipient to a donor nation serves as an inspiration for many developing countries. The country recently contributed $5 million in fertilizer to support Ukrainian farmers under USAID’s Agriculture Resilience Initiative, marking its progress as a major development partner.

Sumilas also commended South Korea’s increased commitment to development assistance, particularly as Seoul prepares for a two-year term as a nonpermanent member of the U.N. Security Council in 2024-25. She highlighted South Korea’s role as an important new donor, working on key global issues.