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The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA, Korean: 한국국제협력단, Hanja: 韓國國際協力團) was established in 1991 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea as a governmental organization for Official Development Assistance (ODA) to enhance the effectiveness of South Korea's grant aid programs for developing countries by implementing the government's grant aid and technical cooperation programs. It is led by three-year-term president of the board who is appointed by the President upon the recommendation of Foreign Minister.
The Korea International Cooperation Agency was founded as a government agency on April 1, 1991, to maximize the effectiveness of South Korea's grant aid programs for developing countries by implementing the government's grant aid and technical cooperation programs. In the past, development cooperation efforts were focused mainly on meeting the basic human needs (BHNs) of developing countries and on fostering their Human Resource Development(HRD). However, the focus has now broadened to promoting sustainable development, strengthening partnerships with developing partners, and enhancing the local ownership of beneficiaries. Additionally, global concerns such as the environment, poverty reduction, and gender mainstreaming, have gained significant importance in the international community.
In support of the joint response to global issues (poverty, gender equality, climate, change, human rights, etc.), KOICA has carried out multilateral development cooperation projects primarily in countries lacking in or excluded from aid and areas with ongoing conflicts, utilizing the expertise and networks of the international organizations to supplement existing two-party bilateral aid. The aim is to establish strategic partnerships with international organizations to create synergy.