STIE
PROJECT YEAR :
Colombia^^Korea
Regional Platform for Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Internationalization in Latin America
Building the Korea–Latin America Innovation Bridge The Government of Valle del Cauca is leading the consolidation of NIDO, a regional innovation ecosystem designed to become the main platform connecting East Asian innovation capabilities with Latin America's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Rather than a conventional entrepreneurship program, NIDO represents a long-term public policy that integrates startup acceleration, technology transfer, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, international investment, open innovation and business internationalization into a single regional innovation platform. After successfully supporting more than 200 startups, mobilizing over USD 5.8 million in investment and impacting more than 9,000 entrepreneurs, NIDO has reached a level of maturity that enables its international expansion through strategic cooperation with Asian innovation institutions. The proposed project seeks to transform NIDO into the first large-scale cooperation platform between Korea and Latin America focused on innovation-driven economic development. Why International Cooperation Matters? Innovation ecosystems are no longer built only through financial investment. They are built through: • knowledge exchange • technology transfer • institutional partnerships • talent mobility • international collaboration For this reason, the Government of Valle del Cauca seeks technical cooperation with Korean and Asian partners that have successfully developed some of the world's leading innovation ecosystems. The objective is to adapt these international best practices to Latin America's realities while generating long-term institutional collaboration. Why Valle del Cauca? Valle del Cauca offers unique conditions for becoming the regional innovation gateway between East Asia and Latin America. The region combines: • Colombia's main Pacific gateway. • One of the country's strongest industrial bases. • International logistics infrastructure. • Leading universities. • An established startup ecosystem. • Strong public institutional leadership. • Proven innovation programs. • Strategic access to Pacific Alliance markets. These conditions make Valle del Cauca an ideal demonstration territory for international innovation cooperation. Why Korea? South Korea has become one of the world's leading references in: • Startup ecosystems • Artificial Intelligence • Smart Cities • Digital Government • Advanced Manufacturing • Deep Tech • Technology Commercialization • Digital Education • Innovation Policy The experience accumulated by Korean institutions represents enormous value for strengthening innovation ecosystems throughout Latin America. Mutual Benefits Unlike traditional development cooperation projects, this initiative generates value for both regions. Benefits for Valle del Cauca • Strengthened innovation ecosystem. • Artificial Intelligence adoption. • Digital transformation. • International acceleration programs. • Startup internationalization. • Investment attraction. • Capacity building. • Technology transfer. Benefits for Korean and Asian Partners • Regional showcase for Korean innovation. • Gateway to Latin America. • Validation of emerging technologies. • New institutional partnerships. • Access to Latin American startups. • Business opportunities. • Innovation diplomacy. • Visibility within FEALAC. • Replicable cooperation model. Requested Technical Cooperation The project prioritizes technical cooperation over financial assistance. Requested contributions include: Technology Transfer • AI methodologies • Digital transformation frameworks • Innovation management • Smart manufacturing practices Capacity Building • International experts • Masterclasses • Executive training • Public sector innovation • Digital certifications Startup Development • Acceleration methodologies • International mentors • Investment readiness • Demo Days • Corporate innovation International Networks • Korean innovation ecosystems • Universities • Technology institutes • Accelerators • Venture capital funds • Soft landing programs Institutional Cooperation • Joint innovation programs • Policy exchange • Research collaboration • Public-private partnerships Financial Structure Government of Valle del Cauca Estimated counterpart contribution USD 600,000 Including: • Project management • Technical team • Infrastructure • Operations • Communications • Monitoring • Institutional coordination Korean / Asian Cooperation Estimated contribution USD 900,000 Primarily through: • International experts • Training • Technology transfer • Digital platforms • Certifications • Exchange missions • Innovation methodologies • Technical assistance • Strategic mentoring • Innovation ecosystem connections Strategic Vision The long-term ambition is not simply to strengthen a regional innovation center. It is to position Valle del Cauca as the principal Korea–Latin America Innovation Bridge, where technology, entrepreneurship, investment and knowledge flow between both regions through a permanent platform of cooperation.
SPCSDCC
PROJECT YEAR :
Colombia^^Korea
1. Current Social and Economic Situation Related to the Project (Geographic Region and Beneficiaries) ○ The target country, Colombia, represents one of the largest consumer markets in Latin America, following Brazil and Mexico. ○ As of 2025, Colombia is a major upper-middle-income country in the region, with a GDP per capita of approximately USD 8,250, an economic growth rate of around 2.6%, and an unemployment rate of about 8.9%, indicating a gradual economic recovery. ○ In particular, economic growth in 2025 has been driven by the recovery of domestic demand, accompanied by improvements in employment indicators. The unemployment rate has reached one of the lowest levels in recent decades, reflecting improving labor market conditions. ○ However, despite a gradual decline in poverty rates, poverty remains relatively high in rural areas, among low-education households, and within informal labor sectors. Structural disparities between regions and socio-economic groups persist. ○ The project’s target area, Paipa in Boyacá Department, is an agriculture-centered region with a strong production base of crops such as potatoes, maize, barley, beans, and fruits, making it a suitable hub for agricultural technical education and field-level dissemination. ○ Direct beneficiaries are students, faculty, and practicum participants of the Paipa Agricultural Technical Education Institute, while indirect beneficiaries include local farmers, cooperatives, and other agriculture-related stakeholders. 2. Problem Statement and Critical Issues to be Addressed by the Project ○ The key problem this Project seeks to address is the declining functionality of agricultural technical education institutions and the limited capacity for disseminating agricultural technologies to local farmers. ○ In Colombia, significant disparities in poverty levels and access to services persist in rural areas. Although agriculture remains a critical sector, there is a continued need to improve productivity and transition toward sustainability. ○ In particular, as the importance of climate change response and the transition to low-carbon agriculture increases, a major challenge lies in the insufficient availability of practical agricultural extension services, education, and training infrastructure applicable at the field level. ○ The Project will address these issues by revitalizing the education institution to simultaneously promote the dissemination of low-carbon agricultural technologies, strengthen the capacity of local farmers, and enhance rural income and agricultural productivity. 3. Objectives ○ To revitalize the agricultural technical education institute in Paipa, Colombia, and restore its functions as a hub for agricultural education, practical training, and technology dissemination. ○ To strengthen education and field-level extension on low-carbon agricultural technologies for local farmers and students, thereby establishing a foundation for climate-resilient agricultural transformation. ○ To establish a collaborative framework among local farmers, educational institutions, cooperatives, and local governments to promote the dissemination of low-carbon agricultural technologies and sustainable rural development.
STIE
PROJECT YEAR :
FEALAC University Discovery Year (FUDY) 2026
The FEALAC University Discovery Year (FUDY) Programme welcomes semester exchange and short-term exchange students from FEALAC member country universities to apply to Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) to enroll in its non-graduating programmes. Motivated by FUDY, UBD signed a student exchange agreement with the Coimbra Group of Brazilian Universities (GCUB) in 2016 which resulted in 5 Brazilian semester exchange students joining UBD in 2017 and 2018. In addition to semester exchanges under FUDY, UBD welcomes FEALAC member university students to join our short-term summer programme known as the Global Discovery Programme (GDP) which runs every year in June/July/August. The programme is credit bearing and is designed to offer international students an opportunity to experience student-life in this culture-rich kingdom, in an academic setting which is stimulating, challenging and progressive.
SPCSDCC
PROJECT YEAR :
FEALAC Future Dialogue: AI for All
FEALAC Future Dialogue: AI for All project, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea(MOFA), aims to promote policy and experience sharing among FEALAC member countries on AI for All, fostering a human-centered approach to AI that contributes to inclusion and sustainable development. AI technology has been evolving at a remarkable pace and is driving a profound paradigm shift in the way people live. Against this back drop, the Korean government is advancing the "AI Basic Society for All" policy, ensuring that the benefits generated by AI can be shared among all citizens. FEALAC member countries also have been ensuring that the benefits of AI reach everyone through cultivating AI talent, promoting the daily use of AI for all citizens, and expanding AI support for vulnerable groups. In line with Socio-Political Cooperation, Sustainable Development and Climate Change(SPCSDCC) Working Group’s continued efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation between East Asia and Latin America, this project will contribute to strengthening East Asia–Latin America dialogue, promoting mutual understanding, and facilitating cooperation to advance inclusive and human-centered AI.
CYGS
PROJECT YEAR :
The cultural program “Spanish as a Foreign Language” aims to strengthen ties between countries through knowledge about Colombia, emphasizing aspects such as geography, history, peace, society, customs and traditions, gastronomy, among others, through the teaching of the Spanish language to government officials from non-Spanish-speaking countries. This initiative also makes it possible to identify future opportunities for cooperation between Colombia and the participating countries. This cultural program has been carried out for more than 12 years, involving over 20 countries around the world.
TITM
PROJECT YEAR :
The Forum is a FEALAC cooperation project proposed by the Republic of Korea and endorsed by member countries at the 10th FEALAC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in Mongolia, in August 2025. As established in the Ulaanbaatar Declaration, the project is intended to translate interregional dialogue into tangible outcomes, addressing the need for a sustained platform for economic strategy exchanges in a rapidly changing global environment. The Republic of Korea has maintained a consistent leadership role within the Trade, Investment, Tourism, and MSMEs (TITM) Working Group, serving as the East Asia Co-Chair since 2017. This forum builds upon a foundation of ROK-led initiatives that have been instrumental in elevating the depth and significance of bi-regional cooperation, such as the FEALAC TITM Seminar on Trade and SMEs (2019), the FEALAC Business Forum (2017), and the FEALAC Seminar on Inter-Regional Trade (2016). Furthermore, the forum’s agenda is specifically aligned with the priority areas of the TITM Working Group adopted at the 19th Senior Officials Meeting (2018, Lao PDR). By focusing on the key pillars such as (i) integration into global value chains, (ii) investment projects, and (iii) access to financing, the FEALAC Trade and Investment Forum provides a specialized framework to navigate the current global energy transition through enhanced bi-regional connectivity.
SPCSDCC
PROJECT YEAR :
China-Latin America and the Caribbean Youth Development Forum 2026
Summarize the existing experience of China-Latin America youth development cooperation, join hands to work together for development and revitalization.
CYGS
PROJECT YEAR :
2026 FEALAC Young Leaders Program
At the 9th Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in the Dominican Republic, enhancing FEALAC’s visibility was identified as a key priority, as outlined in the Declaration on “Strengthening the Institutional Framework of FEALAC.” In response, the Republic of Korea and the FEALAC Cyber Secretariat launched a comprehensive youth and public relations program to increase awareness and understanding of FEALAC within Korea. These efforts build upon the FEALAC Young Leaders Program (formerly known as FEALAC Supporters), initiated in 2019 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of FEALAC. Comprised primarily of undergraduate and graduate students with a strong interest in East Asia–Latin America relations, the FEALAC Young Leaders have led a range of public outreach activities designed to introduce FEALAC to the Korean public. With a continued focus on raising awareness, Korea aims to further enhance the visibility of FEALAC domestically and to inform a broader audience of its relevance to Korea’s foreign policy. To this end, Korea and the Cyber Secretariat have expanded their outreach through the FEALAC Young Leaders Program, actively utilizing online platforms such as blogs, Instagram, and YouTube to connect with the public and promote FEALAC’s mission.
STIE
PROJECT YEAR :
Young Officials Invitation Program: The use of technology for the resolution of water issues
The purpose of the program is to deepen mutual understanding among future leaders of FEALAC member states and to expand common ground on important issues with a view to addressing shared challenges.
SPCSDCC
PROJECT YEAR :
Friendly Meeting to Strengthen East Asia–Latin America Ties
The Friendly Meeting is organized to strengthen informal networking and interregional cooperation among FEALAC member states, in line with the Ulaanbaatar Declaration, with a focus on people-to-people ties, economic cooperation, sustainable development, and women’s empowerment.
