Este artículo está también disponible en / This post is also available in: Spanish
Knowledge sharing and collaborative activities are powerful tools for addressing shared challenges. Today’s challenges are too complex for organizations to tackle alone. That is why, over the years, the IDB has engaged in collaborations with the public and private sector to work toward a clear goal: improving lives in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
These types of alliances and exchanges do not need to be restricted to the region. One example is between the IDB and the Government of the Republic of Korea, specifically between the IDB’s Housing and Urban Development Division (HUD) and the Korea Research Institute of Human Settlements (KRIHS). Keep reading to learn more about how the IDB and the Government of the Republic of Korea have been collaborating for years to improve lives in the cities of our region. Don’t miss it!
KIUDA: KRIHS – IDB Urban Development Academy
The KRIHS – IDB Urban Development Academy (KIUDA) is a capacity-building program organized since 2014. It is specifically designed for public officers in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) countries. The primary objective of KIUDA is to share Korean urban development experience. This collaboration takes place in areas such as territorial/urban development, housing, and informative analysis for urban planning, including Smart City initiatives, along with showcasing Korean cultural activities in the region. Additionally, the program allows participating countries to propose their own projects based on the Korean experience and implement them through the KRIHS and IDB platforms.
Prior to the pandemic , KIUDA was conducted in person in Korea. However, due to the mobility restrictions, last edition was carried out virtually, what allowed new opportunities to expand the range of topics covered in urban development.
The new edition of KIUDA in May 2023
Today, May 23rd, we kick off the 7th edition of KIUDA. Its mission is to enhance the technical and operational capacities of central and local government officials in the LAC region who are involved in designing, implementing, and supervising urban planning and land management initiatives. Participants engage in case studies of both Korea and LAC countries, focusing on land management, urban regeneration, and TOD. Subsequently, they will develop project proposals that integrate the findings from the needs analysis and the anticipated solutions identified during the case study.
To ensure wider participation, the 7th edition of KIUDA expands its scope by offering the program in Portuguese and English, in addition to Spanish. This multilingual approach allows more countries to learn about Korean cases compared to the previous edition, which was only available in Spanish. Each language version of the program can accommodate up to 30 participants, for a total of 90 participants in the three languages. These participants are expected to contribute their ideas and views on how the Korean case studies can be adapted to the specific contexts of LAC countries.
The Spanish version of the program will take place from May 23 to July 18 for a duration of eight weeks. Upon completion, the English and Portuguese versions will be offered simultaneously. This sequential approach allows for effective dissemination of knowledge and ensures that participants from different linguistic backgrounds have the opportunity to participate in the program.
What type of training will the 7th edition of KIUDA offer?
KIUDA’s new edition will be delivered through the virtual IDB platform: INDES. Specifically, the 7th edition is including new subjects, such as Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and urban renewal in Korea since the 2000s, in addition to highlighting Korean economic and land development experiences. The program will also explore how LAC countries could adopt the Korean experience for their urban development projects through an instructor featured from Colombia who had conducted research on Korean land policy. The course will comprise four modules related to TOD and land adjustment:
- Land readjustment in Korea
- TOD in Korea
- Urban regeneration in Korea
- Land readjustment and TOD in LAC countries.
The learning resources include videos, readings, infographics, quizzes, discussions, and synchronous sessions that will facilitate real-time Q&A. These sessions explore various topics, such as the drivers of economic growth and quality of life in cities, the transportation organization within participants’ respective cities, and the applicability of ideas and lessons from the Korean experience to their countries. The discussions also touch upon adopting urban renewal regulations in participants’ countries.
Participants are expected to complete each module over two weeks, for a program duration of eight weeks per language. At the end of each module, participants complete ten-question quizzes and participate in a question-and-answer session with the instructor and a tutor. During the closing session, participants present their project proposals, which have the potential to receive funding from the KRIHS/IDB partnership.
On September 2023, the 8th KIUDA will begin and it is planned to resume the in-person format. This transition back to in-person sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for public officials in LAC countries to interact directly with experts, share experiences, and deepen their understanding of Korean urban development practices.
Why is the 7th edition of KUDA focusing on TOD and urban renewal?
Korea has experience in TOD and urban renewal, both of which are of great interest to LAC cities.
In relation to TOD has undergone a significant transformation in Korea. It has shifted from a narrow focus on transportation infrastructure to a holistic approach that integrates land use planning, transportation systems, and sustainable development principles. The Korean government’s commitment to TOD, supported by robust legislation and policies, has successfully implemented numerous TOD projects that can serve as an example for LAC cities. These initiatives have transformed urban areas into vibrant, walkable, and transit-oriented communities.
Urban renewal in Korea since the 2000s has been dedicated to revitalizing aging urban areas and creating sustainable, vibrant, and livable spaces. This process has involved integrating mixed-use development, infrastructure enhancements, public-private partnerships, cultural heritage preservation, sustainable practices, and community engagement. By drawing from international experiences and learning from successes and failures, Korea has achieved remarkable accomplishments in urban renewal, resulting in more attractive and functional urban environments.
How will KIUDA serve to improve lives in Latin American cities?
Taking into account the mistakes and success stories of Korea’s urban development, LAC countries will have the opportunity to benefit from studying Korea’s experiences, understanding the obstacles encountered, and incorporating the lessons learned into their urban renewal approaches.
By delving into Korea’s urban renewal and TOD experiences, LAC countries can gain valuable insights into integrated planning, transit-oriented development, efficient transportation systems, community engagement, and the significance of learning from both successful and unsuccessful endeavors. These insights can serve as a foundation to inform and guide urban renewal efforts in LAC to improving lives in cities to make of them more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant spaces for the future.
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