Mindset change is not a favorite issue for mainstream development economists. However, more than anything else, the prevailing pessimistic and fatalistic mentalities of people in developing countries constitute the main invisible obstacle to be overcome for national development and should be replaced with modern values of “Self-help and Can-Do-Spirit”. Korea’s successful development experience, in particular Saemaul Undong, clearly attests to the importance of building new mindset of the people. Just like the course of our life is decided by our own mindset, the lecture emphasizes that mindset change is a crucial factor in our collective efforts to achieve national development. It also explains how we can change our old habit and create growth-oriented mindset.

Many developing countries continue to live in a culture of aid. Despite of trillions of dollars transferred to developing countries, their economic situation still remains largely poor and destitute. In particular the lives of bottom billion people are not only falling behind but also falling apart from the rest of the world. International community witnesses an increasing skepticism on the effectiveness of aid as an optimum solution to the problem of poverty. While the state of poverty becomes chronical and structural, it is viewed that aid dependence only aggravates the development impasse. The lecture focuses on the double traps of aid and poverty. It also contrasts the two strikingly different arguments of “Stop Aid vs More Aid” and demands a new conscious approach to find out what works and what does not. 

Corruption is the single worst challenge and obstacle to economic and social development for many countries in the world. Corruption is also a complex phenomenon that is rooted in a wide variety of economic, political, administrative, social and cultural factors. Every year $1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption – a sum equivalent to more than. 5 % of global GDP. The lecture addresses the following questions : What do we know about the causes of corruption and its effects on different aspects of development? What works in combatting corruption? What kinds of approaches and interventions have proven more effective than others and why?

Women’s empowerment means women gaining more power and control over their own lives. It can also be seen as an important process in reaching gender equality. The lecture aims to highlight the important role women have and can play in economic development. It addresses the following three questions : What is the evidence base to support investing women? What are the current constraints on realizing the full potential of women in the process of economic development? What are the priority area intervention necessary to unblock these constraints? The lecture also explains the role of women in agriculture, different approaches to gender equality as well as gender mainstreaming strategy.

Growing inequality is one of the biggest social, economic and political challenges of our time. Evidence shows that inequality harms growth, poverty reduction, the quality of relations in the public and political spheres of life and individuals’ sense of fulfilment and self-worth. On average—and taking into account population size—income inequality increased by 11 percent in developing countries between 1990 and 2010. Peoples are more concerned with who gets what. Redistribution remains very important to inequality reduction; however, a shift is needed towards more inclusive growth patterns in order to sustainably reduce inequality. The lecture reviews first the global situation and trends of inequality followed by regional analysis – Asia, Africa and Latin America. It also offers emerging facts and lessons.

While until a couple of years ago, most of the discussions on development centered around infrastructure, technology, natural resources, development financing, health care, and education needs, it is now becoming clear that issues around talent and leadership development are quickly taking front stage for governmental leaders, CEOs and academia and are critical for the future of the developing countries. In particular, in the lives of the people of most developing countries, failed or ineffective leadership continues to be a serious challenge. The lecture explains the definition, myths, elements, different styles of the leadership. It also introduce the 5 levels of leadership and some qualities to become effective leaders. After the lecture, ceremony of completion will take place back to back and Certificates of Completion will be awarded to the qualified participants.