Jeon Hongpyo, a Visiting Research Fellow IAIS, explores the role of South Korea’s Sports Official Development Assistance (ODA) within the broader framework of the K-Silk Road Initiative. The author explains that following Korea’s transition from an aid recipient to a donor country, it has actively implemented multi-sectoral ODA programs, with sports emerging as a distinctive tool for fostering international cooperation. He highlights that sports ODA not only enhances health and well-being in developing countries but also serves as a diplomatic bridge, strengthening Korea’s relations with Central Asia amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
He argues that sports ODA is a crucial mechanism within the K-Silk Road Initiative, a strategic policy designed to bolster ties between South Korea and Central Asia. Jeon notes that this initiative aligns with South Korea’s broader diplomatic objectives, particularly in light of global developments such as the Ukraine-Russia war and the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. The author underscores the importance of Korea’s engagement in Central Asia through joint training programs, coaching exchanges, and the development of local sports infrastructure. These efforts, he contends, not only improve athletic performance in recipient countries but also cultivate long-term diplomatic and economic partnerships.
The author provides concrete examples of Korea’s sports ODA in Central Asia, such as the training of Uzbek and Kazakh athletes at Korean facilities and the dispatch of Korean coaches to the region. He emphasises that these initiatives extend beyond mere athletic development, contributing to social integration, gender equality, and public health. Furthermore, the expert highlights the pressing health challenges in Uzbekistan, including high obesity rates and cardiovascular diseases, arguing that sports ODA can play a transformative role in addressing these issues.
In conclusion, Jeon Hongpyo advocates for the expansion of sports ODA through AI-driven innovations, leveraging Korea’s technological expertise to further enhance its impact. He suggests that AI could revolutionise training and performance analysis, strengthening Korea’s role as a leader in sports diplomacy. By integrating cutting-edge technologies into sports ODA, Jeon argues that South Korea can solidify its influence in Central Asia while simultaneously advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
