Gyeongsangbuk-do successfully hosted the "2026 Gyeongsangbuk-do Global Advisory Council Regular General Meeting" from September 13 to 15, spanning two nights and three days at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. The significant diplomatic and economic gathering brought together approximately 90 global advisory members representing 21 countries, highlighting the province's active push for localized global diplomacy and expanded international networks.

The three-day event featured a comprehensive agenda, including executive meetings, continent-specific subcommittee sessions, a promotional exhibition for Gyeongsangbuk-do's food export companies, strategic business agreements, and a welcome banquet. Participants focused heavily on leveraging worldwide networks to foster international exchanges and accelerate the overseas market entry of local enterprises.

A major highlight of the conference took place on September 14 during the food promotion exhibition, which showcased competitive products from 10 prominent food companies based in Gyeongsangbuk-do. To solidify export channels, the Gyeongsangbuk-do Global Advisory Council and the Gyeongsangbuk-do Food Export Association signed a formal business agreement (MOU). This partnership aims to strengthen overseas market penetration, streamline distribution channels, and enhance localized promotional campaigns for regional food manufacturers.

During the general meeting, the council officially appointed four new advisory members, revised the organization's articles of incorporation, and reviewed key future initiatives such as the youth overseas internship program, the global leader vision camp, and measures to revitalize council activities. A pivotal moment of the assembly was the inauguration of the 13th leadership team, with Lee Sung-hee, an advisory member active in Uzbekistan, elected as the new president of the council. Moving forward, the global advisory members will act as key "global salesmen," utilizing their deep local insights and international connections to promote Gyeongsangbuk-do's enterprises and products on the world stage.

Newly elected President Lee Sung-hee stated, "I will unite the networks and capabilities of global advisors from around the world to further strengthen harmony and cooperation among members," adding, "We will create tangible outcomes that genuinely contribute to the 9th popular-elected provincial administration of Gyeongsangbuk-do."

Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo emphasized the importance of regional diplomacy during the welcome banquet, noting, "We now live in an era where local diplomacy dictates national competitiveness." He urged the global advisors to elevate the province's international status and invigorate its economy and tourism through their expansive networks. Furthermore, Governor Lee remarked, "Following the launch of the Food Hallyu Industry Bureau, Gyeongsangbuk-do plans to foster the K-food industry as a new growth engine," requesting active promotional support and collaboration from all participating countries.

Kim Hee-su, Chairman of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Assembly, also expressed his gratitude, stating, "We deeply appreciate our global advisory members who enhance the prestige of their hometown, Gyeongsangbuk-do, across the globe and strive for regional development." He affirmed that the provincial assembly will actively support the advisors' global networks to ensure they translate directly into corporate global expansion and expanded international exchanges.

Originally established in 1995, the Gyeongsangbuk-do Global Advisory Council officially transitioned into a corporate body in November 2024. Currently, the network comprises 133 distinguished members across 44 countries, serving as a crucial bridgehead for Gyeongsangbuk-do's international cooperation, cultural exchange, and overseas business development.

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