An inception meeting was organized on 13 June to introduce key partners and stakeholders from Korea, Bolivia and Kazakhstan to discuss the SDG Partnership programme goals and implementation plans, as well as to identify the matching Korean expertise, solutions and tools that can be optimally shared for adaptation in each countries’ context. The event was joined by SEMAS, the Productive Development Bank (BDP) of Bolivia and the Department of Entrepreneurship and Industry of the Kyzylorda Region as well as representatives from UNDP Bolivia, UNDP Kazakhstan and UNDP Seoul Policy Centre. Country Office colleagues from UNDP Peru were also present to share their experiences with the pilot SDG Partnership programme in progress since April 2023 with the goal of contributing to South-South and Triangular knowledge exchange on the shared topic of digital transformation for MSMEs.

Won-Sang Cha, Digital Innovation Business Unit General Manager of SEMAS, provided an in-depth overview of Korea’s policies and programmes, along with the digital tools and technologies used to support MSMEs and entrepreneurs undergoing digital transformation. He highlighted significant gaps in digital capabilities and access to digital tools, emphasizing the need to strategically adapt Korea’s tools and practices to the local context.

Diego Suarez, Head of Experimentation at the Accelerator Lab, UNDP Bolivia, provided an overview of UNDP Bolivia’s programme objectives and work plan. The presentation highlighted the Bolivian context of MSMEs and their digitalization efforts, and introduced the ambitious "productive intelligence platform" project that BDP and UNDP are jointly developing to foster Bolivia’s domestic industry.

Aizhan Kapysheva, Head of Solutions Mapping, UNDP Kazakhstan, provided an overview of the uneven digitalization challenges faced by youth and women entrepreneurs in MSMEs in the Kyzylorda region. She shared the plans to offer comprehensive, practical training in digital skills to local entrepreneurs in the Kyzylorda region, leveraging the Korean experience and expertise. Additionally, she expressed the ambition to ultimately host a ‘Future Forward Forum: Showcasing SDG Impact in Kyzylorda’.

Ximena González, Economic Inclusion Coordinator and Ms. Valeria Valenza, Technical Assistant from UNDP Peru, shared a brief introduction of Peru’s SDG Partnership programme with the ROK and the CO’s ‘Innova Tu Mercado (Innovate Your Market)’ project, highlighting its integration with the SDG Partnership programme. They expressed the expected outcomes and key progress made, emphasizing the significant support from the ROK and the challenges faced during implementation. Additionally, the speakers provided valuable tips and know-how for other SDG Partnership programme partner countries, aiming to foster effective collaboration and success in similar initiatives.

Reflecting on the successful meeting, Mr. Cha commented, “I hope that SEMAS’ experience of supporting small businesses, including through digital transformation, will provide a useful reference for developing country partners wishing to learn from Korea’s successful strategies in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Anne Juepner, Director of UNDP Seoul Policy Centre, conveyed her vision for the partnership, emphasizing its potential to enhance economic resilience and inclusivity through tailored digital initiatives in Bolivia and Kazakhstan. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of adapting global best practices to local contexts, paving the way for sustainable development and inclusive growth in both regions.