보건복지부 영문홈페이지

1st Vice Minister Lee Ki-il Attends

the 2025 OECD Social Policy Ministerial Meeting

- Emphasizing the need for stronger international cooperation to address future challenges

including low birth rates and an aging society -

1st Vice Minister of Health and Welfare Lee Ki-il attended the OECD Social Policy Ministerial Meeting on Friday, February 14, 2025, in Paris, France, where he joined representatives from various countries for discussions under the theme "New Frontiers for Social Policy: Investing in the Future.”

Hosted by Spain and Portugal, the meeting’s co-chairs, this OECD Social Policy Ministerial Meeting was convened for the first time in seven years, bringing together high-level representatives from OECD member states and major international organizations in the fields of employment, social affairs, and welfare for in-person discussions.

During the meeting, delegations from each country discussed international cooperation to address global future societal challenges and secure stable financial resources. Specifically, the discussions covered topics of ▲demographic shifts, including low birth rates and aging populations, ▲the digitalization of social security, ▲sustainable financing, and ▲child welfare and diversity.

1st Vice Minister Lee introduced Korea’s key policies to support childbirth and childcare, including the parental allowance program which have helped drive a reversal in the country’s declining total fertility rate—the lowest among OECD member countries. He also underscored the government’s commitment to building a sustainable system, highlighting the Pension Reform Plan announced in September 2024 as part of its response to the unprecedentedly rapid demographic changes. Additionally, he reaffirmed Korea’s support for the OECD’s people-centered policies targeting vulnerable populations and emphasized the importance of sharing innovative ideas and best practices across member states.

1st Vice Minister Lee stated, "It was highly meaningful to participate in the OECD Social Policy Ministerial Meeting after seven years and engage in in-depth discussions on common challenges such as low birth rates and an aging society, while sharing best practices from various countries." He added, "Gaining valuable insights into addressing Korea’s demographic challenges through these discussions, we will continue to leverage our expertise, actively engage with the international community, provide policy recommendations, and make meaningful contributions." ///