S. Korea as model of development

This OECD statement would reflect the fundamental principle of the interdependence of all nations. And that a nation's priority should be, first, to get on its own feet (often with the help of other, more advanced nations), and second, to fulfil its duty to assist less advanced nations.

"For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required."(1)

Korea's story demonstrates the changing face of international development assistance. "Making good use of this assistance," said Oh Joon, "we worked hard to overcome poverty and achieve development. For many Koreans, including myself, it happened in our own lifetime. As a child, I went to an elementary school where we drank milk and ate corn bread that came in containers marked 'United Nations' or 'US Government'. A few months ago, I visited a kindergarten in Mongolia where children were studying with textbooks marked as gifts from the Republic of Korea."

"This is happening in the middle of an economic crisis," remarked OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría, "when many countries are holding back, Korea is signalling the way forward, as it has done in many areas."

"OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) welcomes Korean membership," 26 November 2009 © OECD
http://www.oecd.org/document
/50/0,3343,en_2649_33721_44141618_1_1_1_1,00.html
Note: (1) From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi
http://bahai-library.com/compilations/living.life.html