(Unofficial translation)

I am pleased to see you all here today. Thank you for joining us. This meeting is very meaningful as we will be informing the public of the vision and strategy that cuts across the Government’s social policies as well as discussing specific measures for the creation of an inclusive nation. This meeting was systematically organized by the Presidential Commission on Policy Planning and relevant government ministries.

My Administration has implemented various social policies over the course of the past year aimed at enabling people to live better lives. Some of those policies, such as Moon Jae-in Care, the state system for dementia care, improvement of housing welfare, and the expansion of national and public childcare facilities, have already been put into action. Starting this month, basic pension and disability pension benefits will be increased, and new benefits for rearing children will be provided. With these initiatives, we have taken our first steps toward creating an inclusive nation which is able to guarantee that all citizens may coexist and live with human dignity.

This, however, is only the beginning. Income inequality and polarization have persisted, and the unfair social structure which forces so many of our citizens to make sacrifices remains intact. We must now reflect, with painstaking efforts, upon the reality of the Republic of Korea and introspectively consider the negative aspects of our society, including the low birth rate, elderly poverty rate, and the suicide rate, all of which are among the most severe in the OECD.
In the impending super-aged society, a smaller producing population will need to support a much larger population. If the paradigm of social policies is not changed, the future will be even more difficult than the present. Such hardship, in its entirety, will impose a great burden on future generations.

To create a sustainable society, the Government must now take responsibility for the lives of our people throughout all stages of life. This is the beginning of an inclusive nation. The inclusive nation means a country for all.

First, a life free of fear must be guaranteed to all people. The social safety net and welfare system must be strengthened in order to alleviate worries about childbirth and rearing, education, health, housing, and life after retirement.

Second, fair opportunities and just results must be ensured. Inequality must not be passed down as if it were a social status. Instead, our society must make social mobility possible and support those who have failed to get back on their feet and provide hope that tomorrow will be better than today.

Third, living together harmoniously without discrimination must be guaranteed. Balanced development of the country must be facilitated, society must respect labor, gender equality must be achieved, and the human rights and welfare of disabled people must be protected.

The inclusive nation is a vision for the future of the Republic of Korea. Ensuring that these first steps are properly taken is the mandate of the times entrusted to my Administration.

The people are paying great attention to today’s meeting, as it serves as a public introduction to our vision of an inclusive nation. Many international organizations, such as the World Bank, the IMF, the OECD and the World Economic Forum, as well as many countries around the world, have begun to use the terms “inclusiveness.” They advocate for “inclusive growth,” by which the benefits of growth are evenly distributed to all rather than being monopolized by the few. This encompasses income growth for the lower- and middle-income groups, welfare, and a fair economy.

The inclusiveness that has been sought by my Administration embraces the same concept. Beginning with social policies, inclusiveness must be pursued as a universal value in all fields, including the economy, education, and labor. From an inclusive society, inclusive growth, and inclusive prosperity, to inclusive democracy, “inclusiveness without exclusion” must be the value and philosophy toward which our society is oriented.

The present policy environment, however, is challenging. The conditions and situations facing us – in terms of population, industry, employment structure, and level of social solidarity – are incomparably different from those which challenged Western countries as they developed into welfare states. 

Thus, we must make realistic goals and clear mid- to long-term plans that include the means for financing. Only then will we be able to garner the trust of the people and show them the path toward an inclusive nation.

The roles to be played by the National Assembly and the central and local governments, whose members are gathered here today, are more important than ever. “Inclusiveness” will be an important core value of my Administration and I ask that every public official – down to those who work on the front lines – recognize and empathize with the need for inclusiveness and that we all strive to win the support and understanding of the people.

I urge all government ministries and agencies to make practical and concrete action plans based on today’s presentations and discussions. Detailed mid- to long-term roadmaps that include even the means for financing should be put in place at the earliest possible date.

I hope that today’s meeting will serve as a spirited beginning for our grand journey toward an inclusive nation. 

Thank you.